Transport to the Islands is a key challenge and an issue of frequent discussion with local residents. Local residents have suggested to me many options and potential solutions. I am continually impressed of what can be gained from talking with our neighbours and planning things with, instead of to the local community. Community engagement needs to be a priority for the Council and is what I will bring to the role of Councilor.
While there is a regular and reliable TRANSLink ferry to Redland Bay (this is now at capacity) and Redland Bay ferry terminal is inadequate for the current number of passengers. Commuter buses are not designed for transporting many passengers requiring mobility aids and laden with luggage, there is limited cross-regional public transport, and long travel public transport travel times to the Brisbane CBD means that many Island residents are reliant on having a ‘mainland car’. Mainland parking is inadequate and will worsen as the Island population continues to grow. Essential services find it difficult to park and access the Islands. Barge access to the Islands is very constrained and expensive. Many mainland businesses will not deliver to, or service the Islands because of barge availability. As a result, costs on the Islands are higher than on the mainland.
While the Council position is supportive of a bridge to the Islands, this is would require federal and state funding and is at best a long-term solution (I will discuss the bridge issue in a separate post).
Realistic short- and medium-term options to improve mainland transport include:
- Ensuring that the design options proposed in the Weinam Creek PDA meet the volume of car spaces committed, are accessible to residents with limited mobility, are sympathetic to the bayside location and has the capacity for future expansion.
- Ensuring that the retail, commercial, professional and residential development in the precinct includes provision of additional parking for people who live, work or visit.
- Work with the community to examine soft options to manage parking and improve access. This may include parking for essential services, location of disability parking, car share, location of timed parking zones.
- Work with TRANSLink to develop a shopping shuttle to Victoria Point using buses designed to carry people requiring mobility aids and carrying luggage and trolleys. This would be free for residents using the ferries.
- Work with State government and investors to develop offsite, long-term parking with shuttle to Weinam Creek. This would also include long term parking for mainland residents.
- Work with SeaLink to optimise the capacity of new barges coming into service in 2024 to provide a discount for local residents travelling to Cleveland. This will support resident access to the mainland and release Redland Bay barge capacity for businesses servicing the Islands.
- Work with State government for Redland Bay passenger terminal upgrade to meet existing and future demand.
These are issues I have already been actively pursuing with all levels of government and businesses. Electing me to Council will strengthen my ability to represent the interests of local residents.
If you would like to comment on these ideas, either positively or with respectful disagreement, please email me: [email protected].
