Redland City Council wants Translink to review timetables for buses that meet ferries at Weinam Creek.
Cr Mark Edwards advises that council, at a recent meeting, resolved to ask the minister to undertake a review of the ferry arrival times and other matters at Weinam Creek.
The review is aimed at making bus connections easier and more convenient for island residents and workers who need to be certain of bus connections for work, business and shopping.
The council has proposed the bus timetables should be adjusted to achieve a minimum of 10 minute difference between scheduled ferry arrivals and connecting bus departures. The council has also resolved that SMBI TransLink services of ferry capacity and frequency also be included in the review.
The Translink agreement that expires at the end of the year only relates to the continuation of the service and funding that has to be contributed. It is important that other aspects of the service are also addressed, which has prompted the Council to seek these reviews.
The requested review is about seeking a new fare path strategy that promotes fairness, addresses affordability, and promotes patronage growth for public transport in South East Queensland.
Cr Edwards says that council wishes to “ensure that TransLink negotiations with the SMBI ferry services include options for increased vessel capacity and/or frequency to address shortfalls in peak travel time demand.
“It is about having a more efficient and relevant ferry service to the islands that is fair and equitable for all,” the councillor added.
Mayor Karen Williams said the Queensland Government needed to look at incorporating the North Stradbroke Islands into the Translink agreement.
“The Queensland Government has previously rejected Council’s call for all islands to be integrated into the TransLink network.
“With the cessation of sand mining on North Stradbroke Island now due in 2019 it is time this was reviewed. Council supports such a review being part of the NSI transitional planning.
“It is essential for the island’s economy that transport to and from NSI is affordable. Straddie is a wonderful place to visit but we have to ensure people can afford to go there.”
FERRY CREWS RAISE NEARLY $4000 ON TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY
The Islands got right behind Talk Like a Pirate Day!
Leading the way in raising funds for research into Children’s Cancer were the crews of the Bay Islands Transit Systems passenger ferries.
As they do most years, the crews not only dressed up, but took up collections for fund raising with island passengers digging deep to donate a wonderful $3840.
There was lots of ’talking like a pirate’ and general fun all day, with the crews looking the part in their pirate outfits.
Debbie Wilson of Bay Island Transit Systems was full of praise for the crews and the generosity of the island passengers.
“It was a great effort and all involved and those who donated deserve considerable praise,” she told The Friendly Bay Islander.
The Sandy Beach Sailing and Kayak Club also got involved and a Talk Like a Pirate Day event was held art Jock Kennedy Park where young and old got involved with some fun and frivolity and a bit of skulduggery, so we are reliably informed.
Apparently siege was also carried out at Sandy Beach, with rumour of cannon fire and the clash of cutlasses!
A great time was had by all.
• Ferry crew Joe Smeets, Ben Haddon, Matt Davis, Margarita Brogden and Rose Bass certainly looked the part.