A MORATORIUM to find a solution for short-term and long-term parking at the mainland bay island ferry terminal at Weinam Creek, Redland Bay has been sought by the Islanders 4 Islanders group.
The sit-down talk has been prompted by a petition with more than 200 responses, outlining an urgent need to address inadequate and unsafe parking issues.
Islanders 4 Islanders spokesperson Danielle Paruit said the issue was critical and that current provisions did not cater adequately to the growing need for the island community.
She said the islands had experienced a growth of 20 per cent in recent years without the infrastructure to support this.
“The island population is growing and it has an older demographic. Some of these people no longer go to the mainland, simply because they can’t. And this creates an isolation issue,” Ms Paruit said.
She said the newer Moore’s parking area was no longer big enough to cope with the demand, and there were vandalism issues.
“Plus it’s a long walk from the ferry and there are safety and vandalism issues,” she said.
She said Council had allocated 30 to 35 car spaces to the Bay Island car share, a private company designed to share cars.
“The theory is good, but this also restricts other drivers from what was once available spaces. There is a general lack of duty of care by the State Government and by Council, resulting in some unfair practises and providing no other options,” she said.
She said street parking limits were also not always appropriate and that fines were prevalent.
“Four hours to get over and back from the island isn’t always something people are able to do. It would be good to have these times extended so people can manage their tasks,” she said.
Cr Shane Rendalls said he believed the State Government had walked away from its obligations and that the issue also extended to the ferries at Victoria Point to Coochiemudlo and at Toondah Harbour to North Stradbroke Island.
“The Government provides parking for all train and bus stations, but if you are a commuter on water, ‘nah’,” he said.
He said the Government had walked away from its obligations, allocating for example, $44.5m to Park ‘n’ Ride at Springfield and just $15m to Weinam Creek.
