Progress of SMBI ferry terminals upgrade
Redland City Council is developing business plans and applications to seek funding from the state government towards the upgrade of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands’ (SMBIs’) ferry terminals.
The move follows community engagement on the project in February last year, which informed initial concept plans developed by Cardno and Architectus - the design and engineering firms appointed to the project.
The project includes upgrading or replacing the terminals - including jetties, gangways and pontoons - on Russell, Macleay, Lamb and Karragarra Islands.
Acting Redland City Mayor Wendy Boglary said that following the first round of community consultation, concept plans were developed and canvassed with the main stakeholders.
“These are being reviewed in line with feedback and budget availability before being released for further community consultation.
“We want people to have a realistic idea of what can be delivered within the funding available.
“Some may feel this is a lengthy process – and it is,” Cr Boglary said.
“Because we engaged with the community before the project even started, preparation work usually done behind the scenes has been visible to the public.
“But we wanted the SMBI community to have input into the design brief so they’ll be happy with the end result.”
Assistant Minister for Transport Glenn Butcher said funding for ferry terminal upgrades was available for Redland City Council through the Passenger Transport Infrastructure Investment Program (PTIIP).
“We’re pleased to have provided Council with a $250,000 grant to progress their business case and concept designs,” Mr Butcher said.
Council’s Infrastructure and Operations area confirmed that infrastructure projects of this size can take from four to eight years to complete.
Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said that the next stage of the project would see ‘preliminary’ plans created for each terminal which would be released for input from the community and key stakeholders, including ferry operators, the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) and residents’ associations.
“Before we get to that stage, Council has to wait for input from a number of state departments, so we don’t yet have a definite timeline.
“But island residents should rest assured we’re working hard to win as much funding as possible to deliver the best possible result for the community,” Cr Edwards said.
Council asks for residents’ help to reduce 'fire risk' in Redlands
Redland City Council is encouraging property owners and residents to join the city’s spring clean as bushfire season begins.
Areas being targeted are those identified as having the highest fuel loads (dry leaf litter, long grass and overgrown vegetation). They include Redland Bay, Mount Cotton, Sheldon, the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and North Stradbroke Island.
Acting Mayor Wendy Boglary said Council has taken steps to reduce fuel loads in the Redlands.
“We slashed public land adjoining homes across the Redlands in August and have conducted eight controlled burns in the last six weeks,” Cr Boglary said.
“Those burns were at Redland Bay, Sheldon, Mount Cotton, Alexandra Hills, Thorneside and three on Russell Island.
“The annual fire maintenance schedule on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands was also brought forward, with fire maintenance trail slashing.”
In addition, controlled burns have been conducted on North Stradbroke Island by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) and SEQ Water.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has suspended controlled burns across Redland City and the greater Brisbane region due to hot dry conditions.
Cr Boglary said Council’s Disaster Management staff would increase their ‘street speaks’ program to educate residents about what they can do to reduce fire hazards on their properties to protect themselves and their families.
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