THE long wait for new ferry terminals on the bay islands is almost over, with a contract for stage one of construction work announced today.
Council and the state government will spend a combined $37 million on the project, seeing new terminals built on Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra islands.
The upgrades promise a range of improvements, including more waiting areas, increased seating, wider jetties and CCTV camera surveillance.
The state government will tip $22 million into the project, and council $15 million under a joint funding arrangement.
Mayor Karen Williams said it would be one of the largest marine infrastructure projects delivered on the bay islands.
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"Islanders will finally have modern ferry terminal facilities built for purpose which will serve them for years to come," she said.
"Council and the state government have worked together to fund and plan this project and islanders played an important role in telling us what they wanted.
"I know how excited they are now the project has reached this important stage.
"Today's great news means we are one step closer to helping residents move around our beautiful Redlands Coast faster and safer."
The project, which has been in planning since 2014, has now entered the construction phase.
Redlands MP Kim Richards said Sunshine Coast marine construction company The Jetty Specialists had been awarded the contract to build and install the new terminals.
Thornlands-based company Aluminium Marine would be responsible for fit-out work on the terminal pontoons.
"This is good news for the SMBI communities on Russell, Macleay, Karragarra and Lamb Islands, with the all-important pre-site works set to start," she said.
Cr Mark Edwards said the new terminals would make travelling to and from the islands more enjoyable.
"Islanders will also appreciate not having to line up out to the roadway in busy periods and people with walking disabilities will appreciate the extra space that allows people to pass each other," he said.
"The dedicated fish platforms and tinnie landings are also welcome inclusions in the terminal design."
Works are likely to occur on more than one island at a time, with construction on the terminals expected to be completed by 2023.
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