THE Redland Bay vehicular ferry terminal will get a makeover and island residents will get two new car ferries.
It comes on the back of strong property sales, population growth and looming tourism potential on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
SeaLink Travel Group chief executive Clint Feuerherdt said the company would spend $17 million on the upgrade and ferries.
"With the volume of land sold, we expect to see more trades and building equipment headed to the islands in the future and we're confident we are ahead of that demand," he said.
The vehicle ferry service has been operating for more than 30 years, and has three vessels on a scheduled service to Karragarra, Macleay, Lamb and Russell islands.
"Our proposed infrastructure upgrades for the Redland Bay terminal will future proof the area for the expected growth in demand and our new vessels will be constructed to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority rules...," he said.
The staged terminal redevelopment includes improvements to loading lanes, customer seating, ferry operations, safety standards and aesthetics.
The new barges will provide increased vehicle capacity, passenger amenities and lower fuel consumption with improved environmental standards.
Mr Feuerherdt said it would allow SeaLink to increase daily capacity, and grow with community demand.
Redland City Council mayor Karen Williams said the upgrade would complement upgrades at Weinam Creek and island terminals being done by council and the state government.
"Together these projects will ensure residents and visitors continue to have safe and reliable transport between our islands and the mainland."
Redlands MP Kim Richards said: "These new vehicle ferries will be fantastic for locals and visitors to our magnificent islands with enhanced amenities and increased capacity."
"The reinvigorated terminal will provide for a better arrival experience too."
SeaLink Travel Group is Australia's largest integrated land and marine, tourism and public transport service provider with operations in London and Singapore.
Besides ferries, it has bus and light rail operations. SeaLink moves more than 206 million customers per year, has more than 8900 employees and operates about 3500 buses and 118 ferries.
