Concerns about ferry terminal access, disability discrimination and rapid residential growth are again in focus on Macleay Island, with residents warning that pressures around Angina Hill are intensifying as the island’s population increases.
In its January 2026 update, the Angina Hill community group says 2026 is shaping as a year of “both positive developments and increasing challenges” linked to ferry terminal parking and the steep Angina Hill approach used by many residents to access public transport.
Disability discrimination complaint escalated
The group has confirmed the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (Department of Transport and Main Roads) has acknowledged receipt of a disability discrimination complaint lodged on December 2.
In correspondence to residents, TMR advised that the issues raised related to infrastructure under the control of Redland City Council and that council would respond in due course.
However, the group says council has already issued a series of rejection emails, which they argue reinforced concerns of disability discrimination and prompted the escalation of the matter to the state department.
Residents are urging authorities to apply the state’s Accessible Public Transport Standards to ferry access arrangements.
Medical incident raises safety fears
Health and safety concerns were underscored over the Christmas period when a Macleay Island resident suffered a medical episode while walking up Angina Hill.
The individual was assisted to the local chemist, an ambulance was called and he was transported to hospital.
He returned home several days later.
Community advocates say the incident highlights what they describe as a clear and ongoing health risk for elderly and mobility-impaired residents forced to negotiate the hill due to limited parking near the ferry terminal.
“It’s not a matter of if, but when,” the group warns, arguing that the physical strain of the climb could have fatal consequences for vulnerable residents.
Surge in new housing applications
Adding to pressure on ferry access, new development data released by Division 5 Councillor Shane Rendalls shows a sharp rise in housing applications across the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
On Macleay Island alone, about 250 new build applications have been lodged in the past 12 months—an increase of roughly 250 per cent compared with the previous year.
The group estimates this could translate to 250 additional households and vehicles.
If even 20 per cent of those residents commute to the mainland for work, it could mean another 50 vehicles competing for early-morning ferry terminal parking, pushing more residents toward Angina Hill or the added cost of island taxis.
Push for a Translink bus service
Against this backdrop, residents are rallying behind a proposal for an inclusive bus service operated by Translink.
An e-petition launched by local resident Melanie Lynch is gaining strong support and is due to be presented to the Queensland Parliament in March.
Please sign Melanie’s E-Petition: available on this Page: https://anginahill.com/translink-buses
Supporters argue that a Translink bus service would mirror mainland routes by linking ferry terminals with shopping centres, medical services and key community hubs, while also eliminating the need for residents to tackle Angina Hill.
They say the service would benefit not only Macleay Island residents but also workers who commute to the island for jobs in health care, retail and essential services.
Advocates believe success on Macleay Island could pave the way for similar services on neighbouring islands, including Russell Island.
