ABOUT a year after construction work began, council has opened its contentious Moores Road car park at Redland Bay.
Mayor Karen Williams said about 500 parking spaces were open for people commuting through the Weinam Creek ferry terminal.
The car park, with the recently opened footbridge and connecting pathways, was completed under stage one of council's Weinam Creek redevelopment project.
"Council has listened to the community and is working to help meet the high demand for car parking," Cr Williams said.
"The Moores Road car park will include about 500 additional car parks for Southern Moreton Bay Island commuters, with time limits to be considered and assessed."
Council had planned to open the space in April and promised a five to 10 minute walk from the ferry terminal to the car park.
The journey along the footbridge - which accommodates foot traffic, bicycles and mobility scooters - is said to take about seven minutes.
Division 5 Cr Mark Edwards said the addition of the car parking area on Moores Road would serve as overflow parking while works on the northern side of the creek began.
"The overall masterplan and future stages are expected to be lodged for approval later this month and will include additional on and off street car parks and secure and public multi-deck car parking within the Redland Bay Marina precinct," he said.
Other features of the plan included improved storage facilities for island residents, more than 21,000 square metres of public open space, the rejuvenation of more than 46,000 square metres of existing parkland, pedestrian and cycle ways and the construction of a public boat ramp.
"There will also be mixed use and medium density residential development, retail and commercial spaces including cafes, restaurants and grocery outlets, as well as a health precinct for mainland and island residents," Cr Edwards said.
Cr Williams said the project provided a valuable opportunity to showcase Weinam Creek as a community focal point and a regional gateway to the islands as well as creating jobs and supporting economic development within the region.
The masterplan will be available for public comment after it has been lodged.
Council partnered with subsidiary Redland Investment Corporation to deliver the car park, footbridge and connecting pathways.
They took over the project after the public-private sector proposal with Walker Corp fell over in 2018.
The car park has come under fire in the past, with nearby residents complaining last year about dust inundating their properties during construction and others saying it was too far to walk to ferries.
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