THE first stage of the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area is nearing completion, with the connecting footbridge between the north and south side of the marina lowered into place recently.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the new footbridge was a connection between the Weinam Creek ferry terminal and the new car park on Moores Road.
"This footbridge and the additional 500 car parking spaces provided at Moores Road will certainly help to ease the congested parking situation at the ferry terminal, as well as reducing congestion in local streets where people have been forced to park," Cr Williams said.
Many residents have a car on the mainland as well as on the islands and the overflow parking area would be convenient for longer-term parking, with a quick walk over the footbridge to the ferry terminal.
"It will also enable somewhere for cars to be parked while work is carried out on the ferry terminal, allowing it to keep operating while the rest of the project is constructed," she said.
Cr Mark Edwards said the new car park and the connecting bridge would open in mid-June and were just the first stage of the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area.
"This ferry terminal is the gateway to our Southern Moreton Bay islands and therefore a very important transport hub and this project will transform the area into an exciting and dynamic destination in its own right.
"The Weinam Creek project will provide important community infrastructure for local families and retail options to attract visitors, as well as important community services such as medical facilities and employment opportunities," he said.
Cr Williams said the staged development included pedestrian and cycle ways; rejuvenation of existing parkland; more car parks with a multi-storey park proposed for the later stage of the development; improved drop off and storage facilities for island residents and visitors; a new boat ramp to separate emergency and public access; and a mix of residential and retail spaces including cafes, restaurants and potential for a medical precinct.
The next stage of the development was lodging the final master plan with Economic Development Queensland in mid-2020, followed by further public notification and communication from late 2020.