COOCHIEMUDLO Island travellers are bracing for rising transport costs, with a new fuel surcharge set to hit vehicle users as other Bay operators move to reassure passengers there are no immediate plans to follow suit.
From this week, vehicle users travelling to and from Coochiemudlo Island will pay more, with operators of the Amity Trader barge confirming a temporary fuel surcharge in response to rising costs.
In a notice to customers, the operator announced the surcharge would take effect from Monday, impacting all vehicles travelling on the service this week.
Under the change, cars and motorbikes will incur an additional $4 return charge, while trucks will face a $10 return surcharge.
The operator said this was necessary to manage increasing fuel expenses, with prices continuing to place pressure on transport services.
“This temporary fuel surcharge helps us manage increasing fuel costs,” the notice stated.
Passenger-only fares are not mentioned as part of the change, with the surcharge applying specifically to vehicles using the barge.
The Amity Trader service provides a key transport link between the mainland and Coochiemudlo Island, regularly used by residents, tradies and visitors.
Meanwhile, other operators in the Bay say they are holding the line on pricing for now.
A SeaLink spokesperson said there had been no changes to fares despite ongoing fuel cost pressures.
“At this stage, there have been no changes to our pricing, and our focus remains on delivering a safe and reliable service for our customers,” the spokesperson said.
“We continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep customers updated via our website and social channels should anything change.”
The surcharge comes as fuel costs continue to ripple through the broader economy, but new data suggests one feared consequence has not surged as expected.
Queensland Police figures show 8004 fuel thefts were recorded between January 1 and March 18 this year, compared with 7946 during the same period in 2025 – an increase of less than 1 per cent.
Despite petrol prices climbing above $2.50 a litre and diesel pushing beyond $3 in parts of Queensland, police say there has been “no meaningful change” in reported fuel drive-offs.
“Crime trends, including fuel theft, can fluctuate over time and can be influenced by a range of contributing factors,” a Queensland Police spokesperson said.
“The QPS remains committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders.”
The relatively flat figures contrast with national trends, with the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association reporting fuel theft has risen between 8 and 30 per cent across Australia since the start of the Middle East conflict.
