Stage Two contract awarded for Southern Moreton Bay Islands ferry terminals project

The Southern Moreton Bay Islands ferry terminals upgrade is in full swing at Russell Island, with a contract for Stage Two of the upgrade now awarded.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Southern Moreton Bay Islands ferry terminal upgrade was an important part of the regions economic recovery, helping to boost the economy and improve amenities for locals.

“We are delivering this $44.6 million project, which will see new ferry terminals built on Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands,” Mr Bailey said.

“Stage Two of the works will include all landside construction and coordinated marine works.”

Member for Redlands Kim Richards said the project focal point was to improve the accessibility of the ferry terminals.

“The Stage Two contract awarded to The Jetty Specialists includes raising land levels, new accessible waiting shelters and seating, new accessible amenities blocks for Russell and Macleay Islands, new walkways and the marine construction works including installation of the fixed jetties and gangways.

“The project will also include repurposing the existing ferry pontoons and jetties for recreational use, such as fishing and mooring.

“The works on Russell Island are progressing well with demolition of the old jetty completed late last year and I am pleased to announce works onsite will also commence at Macleay Island very soon."

The new Macleay Island ferry terminal components have been fabricated at The Jetty Specialist factory at the Sunshine Coast and are now at Aluminium Marine at Thornlands for the final fit out.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the latest project milestone meant Council was another step closer toward delivering one of Redlands Coast’s largest marine infrastructure projects.

“The delivery of new ferry terminals across the Southern Moreton Bay Islands will make it easier and safer for the community to get to and from work and access critical community services, so it is great to see this project reach another exciting milestone,” Cr Williams said.

“This project is one of the largest capital investments on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and residents tell me how excited they are to see the project progressing and can’t wait to see the finished product.

“It is also an example of what can be achieved when different levels of government work together and I would like to acknowledge the important partnership between Council and the Queensland Government that has made it possible.”

Now that Stage Two has been awarded, the Russell Island community will see further temporary changes to the site, with several parking bays closed temporarily as the contractor establishes their land-based construction zone.

Overall works on the four new terminals are planned for completion in mid-2023. With Russell Island scheduled for completion late-2022 (weather permitting). When complete, ferry customers will benefit from increased seating, drinking fountains, more waiting areas with better weather protection, and improved security with lighting and 24-hour video recording.

Southern Moreton Bay Islands ferry terminals upgrade project is a jointly funded $44.6 million project, with the Queensland Government contributing $29.2 million and Redland City Council contributing $15.4 million.