RUSSELL ISLAND JETTY TERMINAL LABELLED ‘WORLD CLASS’ BY DEPUTY MAYOR JULIE TALTY
The new jetty terminal on Russell Island opened quietly and without fanfare on Monday the 6th of February.
According to Redland City Council’s Deputy Mayor Cr Julie Talty, the ‘soft’ opening was deliberate.
“It allows the new jetty terminal to open and operate and sort out minor adjustments without the complications of a ‘full blown’ opening.
“That will come probably in April, when all the rest of the works at Russell Island are completed,” the Deputy Mayor told The Friendly Bay Islander.
Cr Talty is more than impressed with the outcome of the first new island jetty to be completed under the Queensland State Government and the Redland City Council $48 million project.
Macleay, Karragarra and Lamb Island structures are to follow.
Deputy Mayor Talty says: “This facility is ‘world class’ and sets a benchmark for others to follow.
“It just goes to show what can be achieved when two levels of government work together.
“The impact it will have on the islands for work and jobs will be enormous,” Cr Talty added.
Cr Mark Edwards said the Russell Island new jetty and terminal would be a ‘great legacy’ for years to come.
“This is just stage one.
“The new toilet block and the parking areas are yet to be completed, and this should all happen by the end of April.”
Cr Edwards collaboration between the community, the Quandamooka people, TMR and both levels of Government were ‘extraordinary’.
“Others can learn from this collaboration.”
He said work will now start on the ‘re-purposing’ of the old jetty into a clever fishing and boat mooring facility that will also link to the new jetty structure.
Cr Edwards praised the contractors and sub contractors on the project.
“The quality of work is outstanding.”
He said the new car park area when completed would offer improved traffic flows and there will even be a ‘charging station’ for electric vehicles.
Redland City Council’s contribution to the $48 million project has been $17.1 million with an additional $2 million towards the parking improvements.
Cr Talty added that she was ‘pleased to see’ the original Russell Island Mural also part of the new jetty structure.
• Cr Mark Edwards and Deputy Mayor Julie Talty at the ‘soft’ opening day of operations for the new Russell Island jetty terminal.