The Bay Islands received an opportune visit to the Bay Islands by Queensland Government Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Hon Mark Bailey MP.
He was brought on an island visit by Member for Redlands, Kim Richards, in what was literally a ‘tour de force’
The Minister came to the island in light of the recent announcements in relation to the State Budget which revealed funding for new jetties for the four Bay Islands.
His portfolio is responsible for transport infrastructure and Translink services.
Treasurer Jackie Trad allocated in her mid June budget $17.5 million for ferry terminal infrastructure on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, comprising $10.8 million for the complete build this financial year of a new Russell Island jetty.
The Treasurer also indicated she had allocated a 50% funding of the jetty builds for Macleay Island $6 million, Lamb Island $5 million and Karragarra $4.5 million.
These funds have been indicated for the 2019-2020 financial year.
The Minister indicated that there were ‘issues’ in relation to responsibility, but was clear that Redland City Council.
Council, on the other hand, has indicated it is prepared to fund land-based infrastructure, claiming the State Government should fund water-based infrastructure.
Currently there is a ‘stand-off’ of sorts.
The visit by the Minister was the first by Government Minister for some time.
Member for Redlands, Kim Richards, was keen for the minister to get a ‘first hand’ look at the islands and to see some of the transport infrastructure for himself.
“The Minister was impressed with what he saw and I was pleased to show him around the islands,” she told The Friendly Bay Islander.
• Minister Bailey and Member for Redlands Kim Richards on the Macleay Island jetty.