ISLANDERS have threatened to close down work on the Weinam Creek ferry-bus terminal and car park rebuild if temporary shade is not built for commuters.
Macleay Island resident Gayle Nemeth said she would get 300 to 400 people to the ferry terminal next week to close down the site if shade was not provided while work was under way.
Shelter has been removed while the facility is improved and car parking added.
Ms Nemeth said the issue was that the Southern Moreton Bay Islands demographic was primarily retirees.
People had tended to leave goods to be taken to the island at the old shelter while parking their cars and then walking back unencumbered to board ferries.
“With no shelter, it’s a dreadful situation for the elderly,’’ she said. “We’ve given them (until this week) to put shelter in or we’ll come over and shut them down.’’
A Main Roads spokesperson said options to install temporary shelter and seating were being investigated.
“We are aware of community concerns around temporary changes to facilities due to upgrade works,’’ she said. “On Monday, our contractors improved visibility for passengers accessing the car park, due to safety concerns.
“We are working with Redland City Council to source facilities that are safe in all weather conditions. When undertaking upgrade work, any temporary facilities must meet safety standards for a construction site.’’
She said the department hoped the public would be patient. Once completed the project would improve safety and bus and vehicle access to the station and car park.
A council spokesman said council had been in contact with the department and its contractors to ensure the site was effectively managed.
“While construction has required relocated temporary waiting facilities, including ticket office and public toilets, changed traffic conditions, changed station access and temporary bus stop, and temporary loss of some parking bays, council has also been working with the state and site contractor to ensure replacement parking is made available,’’ he said.
An unused spoil site would be used to boost parking by 50 spaces. No disabled parking had been lost.
Ms Nemeth said the terminal handled 23,000 people a week and it was not good enough that shelter had been removed, especially with the storm season starting.
Work was expected to end early next year, weather permitting.