Work to begin on upgrade to Russell Island car park

Redland City Council will start work on a $1.98 million upgrade to the Russell Island car park adjacent to the new ferry terminal in early September.

Mayor Karen Williams said the Council-funded upgrade would commence as work nears completion on the new ferry terminal, which forms part of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) Ferry Terminals Upgrade project.

“Council is committed to ensuring our remote SMBI communities are provided with safe, reliable and accessible transport to and from the mainland,” she said.

“As well as funding the maintenance for all four terminals on Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands once they are complete, Council is also funding upgrades to some of the adjacent landside facilities.

“This includes almost $2 million to deliver the upgraded car park on Russell Island.

“Council is contributing another $2 million, with funding also provided by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, to upgrade bus stops, taxi and drop-off zones on Karragarra and Lamb islands.

“These improvements will help our SMBI communities better connect with mainland services.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said he was thrilled work could now progress on the Russell Island car park, which would include an extra 64 parking bays.

“The car park will be significantly larger after Council acquired adjacent properties, which is great news for island residents, visitors and business owners,” Cr Edwards said.

“The upgrade will include reconfiguring traffic flow, installing a dedicated bus zone and drop-off zone, bike racks and building more accessible parking bays.

“There will also be improved pedestrian footpaths and line marking, new lighting, landscaping works and provision for future electric vehicle charging stations.”

The Russell Island car park upgrade will occur in three stages and is expected to be completed by mid-2023, weather permitting.