THE state government appears to have moved to quash council’s move to have it pick up the bill for Southern Moreton Bay Island ferry terminals.
On Wednesday councillors agreed to call on the state government to fund a $26 million upgrade to the four terminals and to then take ownership and maintain them.
Mayor Karen Williams said ratepayers would be financially crippled by council paying for the SMBI ferry infrastructure.
Redlands MP Kim Richards said it was ludicrous of Redlands to suggest that it was the only council being asked to contribute to its own public transport infrastructure.
“Moreton Bay Council, Gold Coast City Council and Brisbane City Council all contribute funds to upgrading their public transport infrastructure. Why not Redlands?” she said.
Ms Richards said council had asked the government to help fund a business case on ferry terminal upgrades.
“This business case is not yet finalised.”
Ms Richards said state funds were available for council to apply for help to upgrade but not ownership.
“I’m shocked that council would consider abandoning these ferry terminals,” she said.
“I know how important they are to residents on the islands.”
A spokesperson for Transport Minister Mark Bailey said barge ramps were funded by councils or commercial operators.
The spokesperson did not respond to questions about council’s request, whether council had asked the state to fund the business case and whether Redlands was the only Queensland local government authority, aside from Brisbane, responsible for jetty infrastructure on a Translink ferry route.
Cr Williams said council would continue to build and maintain land-side infrastructure, like car parks and roads.
“There is already a substantial cost to Redland ratepayers of land-side works to connect this infrastructure and that is important in the business case consideration,” she said.
Cr Williams said council had been working with the government to develop the business case for the upgrade.
“We have appreciated this working partnership and recognition that the ferry terminals are ageing, in poor condition, overcrowded and unable to meet rising demand and lack amenity including mandated modern disability standards.”
