Ben Renwick is the relatively new General Manager of SeaLink, South East Queensland. The company and its operations are vital to our island communities. He is keen to reach out to the islands and to answer some important questions as our Q and A guest.
Q1: Is your relatively new position with Sealink SE Queensland somewhat of a learning curve for you?
A1: I have been with SeaLink now for 8 months. Although steep, I have really enjoyed the challenge the role has brought me. I have worked on boats my whole life; I was in The Navy for 10 years and have maintained and built a number of vessels throughout my working life. My last role was the manager of a shipyard in Cairns, so understanding the fleet has come naturally, but the community aspect of the role, has been the biggest challenge. Understanding the importance of our service to the community and the impact we can have has been some of my biggest learnings. I am genuinely excited for the future.
Q2: Being a monopoly to a group of islands with low per capita income, is the company aware of how pricing is so important to islanders?
A2: Regardless of the number of suppliers, we have an obligation to provide a value for money service. It's important to remember that an operation of our size, incurs significant costs including maintenance, wages fuel, and landing fees. These are essential factors in the building of our pricing structure. Comparing our prices with other ferry services can offer a more accurate perspective on our rates. Despite all Australians living on an island, the logistical and economic realities of island living can be quite different, especially for those residing on smaller islands where ferry service is essential. This difference is not always apparent, which can lead to misconceptions about the costs involved in providing these services. We are committed to balancing affordability with the need to maintain a sustainable and reliable service.
Q3: Are you keen to change the perception of SeaLink and let islanders become more aware of SeaLink services and operations?
A3: As a small team managing a significant operation; our primary focus has always been on delivering quality services and supporting our communities through actions rather than words. We believe in doing the work rather than merely talking about it. However, we recognise the importance of transparency and engagement with the communities we serve. It's become clear that there is a shared interest and investment in our operations, and we value this connection deeply. Moving forward, we are committed to being more open and forthcoming about our services, operations, and the ways in which we support the community.
Q4: With that in mind, recent online major discounts offered to Minjerribah residents for return day trips as much as 50% off, was that an anomaly?
A4: This initiative is not an anomaly but rather part of our ongoing commitment to our communities. Historically, NSI residents have always had access to a day trip special, but it was not available for online booking. Our revised special is a step towards enhancing our services and community engagement. The special aims to encourage NSI locals to utilise services that are less crowded, helping us increase occupancy during these times. It's important to note that NSI fares are flexible, ranging from $73 to $125 for one-way trips, reflecting the unique travel patterns and demands of this route. In contrast, SMBI services, which often operate at capacity, have a flat rate of $64.50 from the mainland, with inter-island travel at $32 for a one-way trip. We also offer a weekend discount of $83 return. As we plan for the future, our goal is to align our processes and specials across our services as much as possible. However, due to differences in travel patterns, options, and demand, it may not be feasible to offer identical specials for all routes without standardising prices. We are continually exploring ways to balance fairness, affordability, and operational sustainability in our pricing strategies.
Q5: Are there major differences in the operations and usage between the Straddie Minjerribah services and that of the SMB Islands?
A5: Indeed, there are significant differences between these services, as is the case with most ferry operations throughout Queensland. The NSI service caters to a smaller local community and offers a single destination per trip. The demand for this service varies, with steady periods and times when demand is lower, which may prompt marketing campaigns to boost visitation. On the other hand, the SMBI service operates from the mainland to four islands, with a longer travel time from the mainland compared to NSI, depending on the drop-off location. This service also offers unique inter-island travel at a reduced rate. For SMBI, visitors can use a passenger ferry that runs from early morning until late at night at a cost comparable to a bus fare. Conversely, NSI passenger ferry services conclude before 7pm, with a return ticket costing up to $21. We strive to be fair and supportive to both communities, tailoring our services to meet their specific needs and circumstances as best as we can.
Q6: Are there some major changes coming to your fleet and infrastructure in the coming months?
A6: Yes, there are significant changes on the horizon for our fleet and infrastructure. We are currently investing in improving the Redland Bay terminal, and this project is closely aligned with the introduction of two new vehicle ferries we are building specifically for the SMBI service. Additionally, another vessel is being modified to enhance its operation from Redland Bay to the Bay Islands. As we implement these changes, we're planning extensive communication and outreach to ensure the community is well informed. We ask for patience during this transition period, as some initial adjustments may be required.
Q7: Will the fleet changes have an impact on growth and usage, particularly in relation to the very busy SMB Islands services?
A7: The introduction of our two new vessels will indeed have a significant improvement to our services, especially for the busy SMB Island routes. These new ferries, capable of transporting up to 45 cars — a considerable increase from our current SMBI vessels — will enable us to transport more customers at their preferred times. This expansion in capacity is not just about meeting current demands; it’s an opportunity to rethink our operations. Our aim is to develop a timetable that not only meets but exceeds the needs of the growing SMBI community, enhancing convenience and service reliability.
Q8: Any other exciting developments or changes coming that will interest our islands?
A8: We're excited to share the latest developments regarding our services that we believe will greatly benefit the local island communities. In our continuous effort to innovate and enhance our services, we've recently made significant improvements to our online presence to provide greater booking flexibility for customers. This includes splitting our website into two main primary destinations, simplifying the booking process, and improving the customer experience. Additionally, we've introduced the capability for customers to book trucks online, streamlining this booking process significantly. Our timetable on the website has also been updated to a dynamic format, allowing SMBI customers to access real-time information, including any schedule changes or additional service times. Looking ahead, we're exploring the possibility of trialling a passenger ferry service between the Bay Islands and North Stradbroke Island. This could open up new opportunities for connectivity and convenience for SMBI communities. We are committed to continuous improvement and look forward to the positive impact these developments will offer island customers.
Q9: Are you and SeaLink keen to see more involvement with the island communities in a positive way?
A9: We are indeed committed to maintaining and enhancing our involvement in a positive manner with the community. As a transport company our primary focus remains on providing a brilliant service, including investing significantly in improving the ferry service infrastructure and new vessels. We understand and appreciate the importance of our role in connecting the islands communities with the mainland. While we are always striving to improve our services, it's essential to recognise that this involves balancing various costs and working in harmony with other stakeholders. We welcome and encourage the community to reach out to us with ideas, feedback, or collaboration opportunities.