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.

Latest news

Onsite works to install the Russell Island temporary ferry access gangway are underway and progressing well.

In early October 2021, the initial works notification to Russell Island residents and project stakeholders outlined December 2021 as the proposed timeframe for the transition to the temporary ferry access gangway. The transition to the temporary ferry access gangway is now slightly ahead of schedule. Weather permitting, the pontoon will be relocated to the new temporary location overnight between Saturday 20 November 2021 and Sunday 21 November 2021.

Emergency services will operate from the nearby Sealink jetty during the transition period.

Customers will need to board and alight ferries from the temporary ferry access gangway from the first scheduled service on Sunday 21 November 2021. This arrangement will remain in place until the new ferry terminal is complete and open for public use, currently planned for late 2022, weather permitting.

TransLink service notice - Russell Island ferry terminal - Overnight closure

On Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 November 2021, there will be changes to the ferry services to and from Russell Island due to the construction works involved in installing the temporary ferry access gangway.

The following services will not stop at the Russell Island ferry terminal:

Saturday 20 November

• Service departing Redland Bay at 11.10pm and 12.10am (last two late night services
  • Please note, the last available service to Russell Island will be at 10.10pm
• Service departing Russell Island at 11.35pm
  • Please note, the last available service leaving Russell Island will be at 10.35pm

Sunday 21 November

• Service departing Russell Island at 5.20am (first early morning service)
  • Please note the first available service leaving Russell Island will be at 6.20am

These services will still stop at Karragarra Island Ferry Terminal, Macleay Island Ferry Terminal, and Lamb Island Ferry Terminal.

Please be aware of these changed services and arrange to travel before or after these service times if you intend to travel to or from Russell Island. To stay up-to-date on TransLink updates, visit https://translink.com.au/updates/61181/.

What to expect

• Changes to the Russell Island ferry terminal pedestrian access zone. Pedestrians will be redirected to the temporary footpath leading to the temporary ferry access gangway.
• Changed drop-off zone and parking arrangements, with temporary closures of some parking bays during construction.
• Changed traffic movements.
• Temporary relocation of the shelters closer to the temporary ferry access gangway.
• Noise and vibration during piling works.
• Stairs leading down to the water from the existing pontoon will be removed and reassembled once relocated to the temporary location.
• Demolition of the existing jetty and ferry terminal.

Further project updates will be provided via email to project stakeholders and subscribers.

The project team would like to remind the community to please use caution around the construction site. We appreciate your patience and continued support during the delivery of this project.

To contact the TMR project team, please email the team at boatinginfrastructure@msq.qld.gov.au.

The Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) ferry terminals upgrade works are due to start at Russell Island this month, with Transport and Main Roads and Redland City Council announcing the start of the on-site works.

Member for Redlands Kim Richards said this was good news for the SMBI communities on Russell, Macleay, Karragarra and Lamb islands, with overall works planned for completion in mid-2023.

"This project will deliver new ferry terminals at Russell, Macleay, Lamb, and Karragarra islands, which is a fantastic outcome for residents and visitors coming to our part of the world,” Ms Richards said.

“The works on Russell Island will start this month with some temporary landside works to occur first.

"It will also include repurposing the existing ferry terminal infrastructure for recreational use such as fishing and mooring and support 45 jobs over the life of the works."

Ms Richards said ferry customers would see changes to pedestrian access to the Russell Island ferry terminal, drop-off facilities and car park.

“The contractor will install temporary footpaths, a temporary access gangway, and a temporary relocation of the shelters to be closer to the relocated facilities," she said.

“Transportation of the Russell Island pontoon sections from The Jetty Specialists (TJS) yard to Aluminium Marine at Thornlands occurred last week, which is great news for the local business, supporting local jobs.

“Fabrication of the Macleay Island pontoon will now start at the TJS yard.”

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council was excited to announce the commencement of the project’s onsite works.

“I’m delighted that the delivery of one of Redlands Coast’s largest marine infrastructure projects will begin this month, with Russell Island’s ferry terminal the first of the four SMBI terminals to undergo the upgrade,” Cr Williams said.

“Our SMBI communities have waited a long time to see these essential island transportation hubs improved, and it will be exciting to see the works take place over the next 24 months following years of planning and community consultation.

“This joint project is an example of what can be achieved when different levels of government work together and I would like to thank the State Government for their support.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the progress was great to see.

“This is fabulous news for the island community,” he said.

“The SMBIs are one of the few communities in South East Queensland that rely on marine transport and this project will provide safe, reliable and disability accessible transport to and from the mainland.

“Obviously, construction works will be required and we ask that Russell Island residents, business owners and visitors be mindful of temporary changes to parking availability and the new ferry access zone."

For safety reasons, project contractors at Russell Island will be required to close off a section of the adjoining car park.

From mid-October, several parking bays on the eastern side of the car park will be temporarily unavailable as contractors construct a new footpath leading to a temporary ferry access jetty, which will be the new boarding and disembarking point for commuters during the construction phase.

Council will install maps and signs outlining the location of the new temporary ferry access jetty, which will be approximately 30 metres to the right of the existing ferry terminal, and construction signs will indicate which parking bays need to remain unoccupied.

For more information on the project, email the TMR project team at boatinginfrastructure@msq.qld.gov.au.

Site access overview and location of temporary ferry access gangway during the construction phase.

The Southern Moreton Bay Islands ferry terminals upgrade project has entered the construction phase, with the State Government and Redland City Council announcing a $20 million contract for stage one of the works.

Member for Redlands Kim Richards said marine construction company The Jetty Specialist had been awarded the contract to build and install new ferry terminals on the four islands.

“This is good news for the SMBI communities on Russell, Macleay, Karragarra, and Lamb Islands with the all-important pre-site works set to start," Ms Richards said.

"When the project is completed, 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.

“It will also deliver wider jetties and gangways for improved accessibility.”

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said awarding the tender was a significant project milestone for Redlands Coast creating local jobs and bringing delivery of the new terminals a step closer to fruition.

“This is one of the largest – and possibly the most important - marine infrastructure projects we have seen for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands which will deliver for the community the much-needed ferry terminal upgrades they have been calling for,” Cr Williams said.

“Islanders will finally have modern ferry terminal facilities built for purpose which will serve them for years to come.

“I am particularly pleased that a local company will be part of the contract, with Thornlands-based Aluminium Marine responsible for building significant fit-out work for the ferry terminal pontoons.

“Council and the State Government have worked together to fund and plan this project and islanders played an important role in telling us what they wanted. I know how excited they are now the project has reached this important stage.

“Today’s great news means we are one step closer to helping residents move around our beautiful Redlands Coast faster and safer.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said he was thankful for the community’s contribution that has helped bring the project to this exciting phase.

“As the project enters its final phase, I would like to thank the community for their invaluable input and support over the years to help deliver the long-awaited ferry terminals,” Cr Edwards said.

The Jetty Specialist is a Queensland family-owned company based on the Sunshine Coast that has delivered marine facilities throughout the state and in the Redlands area.

The Jetty Specialist General Manager of Operations, Dane Morris said the company was proud to be awarded the contract for the SMBI Ferry Terminal Upgrades.

"This is important infrastructure for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and will benefit the region and support the manufacturing industry in South-East Queensland," Mr Morris said.

"Our company is looking forward to delivering this high-quality marine infrastructure project in our beautiful backyard."

Due to the scale of the project with four new terminals, the contract has been split into two packages.

Package one involves sourcing materials and building important components such as pontoons, headstocks, and deck slabs for the fixed jetties and the pontoon piles.

There will also be a new floating walkway for the Macleay Island boat ramp and redesign and construction of existing ferry pontoons for recreational boating and fishing.

The remaining onsite construction of the ferry terminals and all the landside works will be combined into the second contract, due to be awarded late this year.

It is likely works will occur on more than one island at a time.

Locals and visitors will also benefit, with gangways and pontoons repurposed for recreational use.

The project will support an average of 45 direct jobs over the life of the works.

Southern Moreton Bay Islands ferry terminals upgrade project is a jointly-funded $37 million project, with the Queensland Government contributing $22 million and Redland City Council contributing $15 million.

For more information on public transport, including changes to ferry terminals and services during construction, visit the TransLink website www.translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30.

Removal of some trees required to proceed with construction of the ferry terminals

The project team has identified certain trees located either on land or in the tidal-zone adjacent to the existing Russell, Macleay, Lamb, and Karragarra Island ferry terminals will need to be removed to proceed with the construction and upgrade of these islands’ ferry terminals.

The project team has made every effort to avoid impacting nearby vegetation, including trees. However, the design of the new ferry terminals cannot be amended any further. The trees to be removed are in areas that intersect with the construction of the ferry terminals and its amenities and will ultimately be replaced by sheltered waiting areas, providing passengers with better protection from the weather.

For specific details, please refer to the:

• FAQs, and
• Tree and historic structures removal/relocation guide, both available on this page.

Ferry terminals' screens' artwork designed by Quandamooka artist Shara Delaney, and storyboard info provided by Aunty Sandra Delaney

At the November 2019 open house sessions, the community expressed positive feedback on a proposal to include artwork on the new ferry terminals. Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) was subsequently consulted in the detailed design phase, and several artists were approached to develop artwork designs. Quandamooka artist Shara Delaney provided the final artwork designs, which were then submitted to the designer for inclusion in the ferry terminals' perforated screens. QYAC was also engaged to provide storyboard information for the artwork.

The storyboard information and the final artwork designs are available on this page.

The engagement of QYAC for this artwork is recognition by the project team of the Quandamooka People's strong continuous connection to the land and seas of the Moreton Bay Islands.

The Southern Moreton Bay Islands Ferry Terminal Upgrade Project has entered an exciting new phase, with Redland City Council and the Queensland Government announcing the tender process for construction of the upgrades was underway.

The announcement follows the recent finalisation of the detailed design, which now includes new toilet facilities for the upgraded Russell and Macleay island ferry terminals.

Mayor Karen Williams said these project developments were exciting.

“These are all positive steps forward in delivering the much-anticipated works,” she said.

“While this particular phase is complex and may take some time, it is important that we ensure value for the community; and once the contract is awarded, construction can begin.

“The 3D graphics of the detailed drawings and the terminals’ perforated screens’ artwork, designed by Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, are also available for the community to view via the project’s page on Council’s Your Say site.

“While some operational matters required the project team and ferry operators to revisit the preliminary designs, key themes and requests identified by the community during last year’s consultation period are still in the designs.

“This includes features such as repurposed gangways and pontoons for recreational use, increased seating, provision for Wi-Fi, drinking fountains, improved security with lighting and 24-hour video recording, enhanced weather screening, and more waiting areas for better weather protection, and wider jetties and gangways for improved accessibility.

“To top it off, the Russell and Macleay island ferry terminals will have new toilet blocks built closer to the terminals as part of the project.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said he was pleased to announce tenders for construction of the four ferry terminals had been combined into one contract.

“The project team has done a significant amount of work to reach this milestone and it is wonderful news for the island communities that we are now another step nearer," Mr Bailey said.

Member for Redlands Kim Richards said the tender was now open for five weeks, closing next month (October).

“The project will support an average of 45 direct jobs over the life of the works at a time when they’re needed most," Ms Richards said.

''We're committed to keeping Queensland moving and investing in the Redlands community during this difficult period."

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the final detailed design and tender process brought delivery of the upgraded ferry terminals one step closer.

“This is great news for our island communities,” he said.

“As we know, the community has waited a long time to see the islands’ primary transportation hubs receive the upgrades they need, and it’s good to see the project moving forward.”

Companies interested to tender can view or download project documents via this link: https://etender.hpw.qld.gov.au/

The project's detailed design phase is nearing completion.

Stay tuned to see what the future SMBI ferry terminals will look like as three-dimensional graphics. The graphics will be uploaded and available for viewing on this page in the coming weeks.

Four new ferry terminals on Redlands Coast will be delivered sooner and at an estimated cost saving of more than $5 million after Council this week agreed to bring forward the projects.

Mayor Karen Williams said Council’s decision would see the Southern Moreton Bay Island ferry terminals delivered about 12 months sooner than originally expected, delivering local jobs and saving residents money.

“This is an exciting partnership between Council and Transport and Main Roads that will see four new ferry terminals delivered for our Southern Moreton Bay Islands, helping residents move around our beautiful Redlands Coast faster and safer,” Cr Williams said.

“Through this partnership, TMR and Council have found a way to deliver the project sooner and in doing so save ratepayers $2 million, with a total saving of $5 million across the entire project, including State Government savings.

“The project still includes the original design of updating the jetties, gangways and pontoons, and repurposing existing ferry pontoons for recreational uses such as fishing and mooring.

“This is an exciting development that will also see more jobs created in the 2020/21 financial year, which is vital following the economic impacts of COVID-19.

“There are many benefits in this for Redlands Coast, and we are keen to see the project delivered as quickly as possible.”

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the Southern Moreton Bay Islands community had waited a long time to see the terminals receive the significant upgrades they needed.

“We are a city of islands, and the ferry terminals are vital for island residents and highly important to the Redlands Coast economy,” he said.

“Council and the State Government negotiated patiently over a long period of time for the best outcome possible for the community, and this new development will see that outcome realised sooner.”

Member for Redlands Kim Richards said she welcomed Council’s decision, which would deliver local jobs sooner.

"This decision means we can get the ferry terminal upgrades finished sooner for all our islands and create more local construction jobs when they’re needed most,” Ms Richards said.

“We’re expecting tenders for construction to go out in August, and this announcement will cut about a year off the time it will take to get the work done, so I can’t wait for our community to see work start on these upgrades that will create an enviable arrival and departure experience for our island communities.”

Cr Williams said that in other Council works brought forward, the Wharf Street, Cleveland car park was currently being resurfaced.

“Council took the opportunity during the recent travel ban to North Stradbroke Island to bring forward this important maintenance work, which was previously planned for the next financial year,” she said.

“This work is part of Council’s broader roads program and is expected to be completed soon, weather permitting.”

March 2020

The Department of Transport and Main Roads and Redland City Council have sealed the deal on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands Ferry Terminal Upgrade Project after both parties signed off on the project’s deed of agreement this week.

Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, said this was an important milestone for the $34.1 million project and we're delighted to be working with Redland City Council to deliver this much-needed project for the SMBI communities.

Redland City Council CEO Andrew Chesterman said he was very happy that an agreement had been reached during such a critical phase of the project.

“I am satisfied that the terms of the deed align with the community’s needs and Council’s long-term goals for Redlands Coast,” Mr Chesterman said.

“It’s great to see this project moving on to the next phase, the detailed design phase.”

The signing of the deed has occurred concurrently with the announcement of the outcomes of the project’s final stage of community consultation which took place last year.

Minister Bailey said there had been three stages of community engagement since 2016.

“Consultation involved collecting feedback through intercept surveys, meetings, in-depth stakeholder reviews, the project webpage and open houses,” Minister Bailey said.

“By working closely with key stakeholders and local residents, we have been able to explore their requests and plan suitable terminal design options for Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands.”

"The third and final stage took place from August to November 2019 with a number of key themes being identified during the concept design consultation period. These were incorporated where possible in the preliminary designs.

“The preliminary designs were then presented in November at a series of open houses on each of the four islands and on the mainland. The community’s feedback on the designs was very positive.”

"One of the highlights of attending the open houses was the opportunity for people to vote on the four potential terminal screening colour palettes for each island, and to view the sample board displaying different material options.

“The colour scheme selected for each island were the most popular choices – I encourage locals to view the consultation snapshot flyer now available on the project webpage at yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au/upgrade-of-smbi-ferry-terminals," Mr Bailey said.

Mr Chesterman said he was excited for the community to view the results and looked forward to construction starting on the first new terminal on Russell Island later this year.

“The project includes upgrading or replacing the SMBIs’ terminals – including jetties, gangways and pontoons – over four years. The plans also include repurposing existing ferry pontoons for recreational uses such as fishing and mooring,” he said.

Thank you to everyone who came along to the Open Houses and shared their thoughts and comments with the project team. We hope you had a wonderful experience.

The project team will now review the feedback and prepare a summary report.

In early 2020, a project fact sheet will be distributed to the SMBI community to share the feedback we have received including, key themes and the much anticipated results from the vote on the terminals' colour palettes.

Stay tuned.