Straddie residents to form committee to negotiate with barge company

The decision was made at a rally at Ron Stark Oval at Dunwich where more than 100 gathered to voice their concerns about rising barge fares.

The meeting, organised by resident Karen Garrett, attracted speakers including Redland City councillor Craig Ogilvie and members from the chamber of commerce and real estate agent Ian Robinson.

Ms Garrett told the crowd 1490 people had signed a petition on Change.org requesting reinstatement of the Shopper Day fare for lsland residents under the same conditions as previously existed.  

Mr Robinson spoke of his concerns about the price hike and how it would affect tourism and the island's economy.

Dunwich business owner Jim Campbell read letters from concerned residents about the impacts the fare restructure has had on their lives.

Cr Ogilvie spoke of the need for a transport strategy.

"Transport will make or break this island," he said.

Last month, Stradbroke Ferries ditched its $69 Shopper Day return fare, which was available to residents every day except on Friday.

It was replaced with standby return fares discounted for residents and for online bookings.

Under the new structure, the cheapest possible new combination return fare for residents is $75.

The crowd made a plea to Straddie Ferries chief David Thomson to reinstate the Shopper Day fare and stick to promises made when the company merged with The Big Red Cat in December 2011.

Ms Garrett said the barge company should act in accordance with the island residents' views and promises made at the time of the merger.

She said the community group would push to remove the standby clause from the residents's fare and abolish the $85 & $95 fares, effectively capping the maximum fare at $75.

She also said the group would ask for a "fair" commission for island businesses.