RESIDENTS commuting from Coochiemudlo Island to the mainland could save about $1300 over six months as fares for the island’s ferry service have been cut to 50c.
The expansion of the Queensland Government’s 50c fares comes after residents shared their “distress” when the service was originally omitted from the initiative, which launched statewide in August.
Coochiemudlo Island Progress Association president Elizabeth Rankin said over 300 people registered for a meeting held on August 10 with the Amity Trader, Redland City Councillor Lance Hewlett and Member for Redlands Kim Richards, while close to 500 people responded to surveys which were submitted to Translink.
“We’re very excited that it’s happened and look forward to it,” Ms Rankin said.
“We asked the question, ‘Why are we missing out when the rest of Queensland is getting this?’ ”
Ferry users were paying up to $6.80 each way, which has been slashed to 50 cents from September 9 until February 9, 2025.
More than 269,000 people have boarded the South Moreton Bay Island ferry service for 50 cents since the trial launched on August 5.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles said this demand and feedback prompted the State Government to commit to incorporating the Coochiemudlo Ferry Service into the Translink public transport network, if elected in October.
“This will save locals as much as $6.30 each trip, and about $1 million over the six months,” Mr Miles said.
“And, if elected, I will incorporate the Coochiemudlo Ferry Service into the Translink network.
“It’s a move that will secure operations of the ferry for years to come.”
Ms Richards said the announcement was an exciting step forward for the region.
“Locals who rely on the Coochiemudlo Ferry each and every day will now have more money in their back pocket, to pay for the things that matter,” she said.
“We will incorporate the service into our network – making it more convenient and accessible for our island residents.”
While Redland City residents welcomed the news, some questioned if North Stradbroke Island services would follow suit, including Straddie resident Kate, who asked Mr Miles at last week’s Community Cabinet Town Hall Meeting, “Is there any plans on the cards for Straddie to become part of the 50c fare network?”
Mr Miles said that, if elected, the government would establish a new independent transit authority to investigate public transport throughout the islands and manage public transport versus private operators.
“Coochiemudlo is a start, and it will give us a really good chance to see how it helps and what a difference it makes,” Mr Miles said.
“With some of the other islands, it starts to get a little more expensive, so we need to work through that, but please know we’ve been thinking about it.”
