REDLAND City Council has reaffirmed its support for the Queensland Government’s proposed upgrade of the Dunwich (Gumpi) Ferry Terminal while calling for a range of changes and safeguards to be incorporated as the project moves forward.
Councillors this week endorsed a submission to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) in response to the release of the terminal’s concept design, which is currently out for public consultation.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the ferry terminal upgrade represented a significant opportunity to improve the main gateway to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), but stressed the project needed to deliver lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.
“The ferry terminal upgrade is an opportunity to deliver a high-quality gateway to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah),” Cr Talty said.
“This upgrade must get the fundamentals right and provide a functional, safe and accessible transport hub that meets growing demand while reflecting the character and culture of Dunwich.
“This is a critically important transport project for our community and we want to ensure it delivers the best possible outcome for generations to come.”
A key element of Council’s submission is its position that ownership and management of the ferry terminal should remain with the Queensland Government rather than Council.
“The terminal is a key public transport interchange and Council does not wish to own, operate or maintain the facility,” Cr Talty said.
“There needs to be a comprehensive review of complex existing land tenure and lease arrangements at the project site to ensure clear accountability for operations, maintenance, parking management and enforcement.”
Council is also seeking stronger alignment between the terminal upgrade and the Queensland Government’s Gumpi Master Plan, including improved links to the town centre and foreshore, protection of cultural heritage, integration with future projects and planning for long-term coastal resilience.
Cr Talty said continued engagement with residents, traditional owners and key stakeholders would be critical as the project progressed through detailed design.
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the upgraded terminal should be designed to support Council’s long-term vision of a single public ferry gateway to the island while remaining capable of accommodating multiple ferry operators.
“Council’s long-term vision for the Dunwich ferry terminal is as a single clear point of entry to the island by public ferry services, so the upgraded terminal must be designed from the outset to accommodate multiple ferry operators,” Cr Mitchell said.
He said any future closure of the nearby One Mile ferry terminal to commercial operators should only occur once key commitments outlined in the Gumpi Master Plan had been delivered.
“This includes all weather landing ability, public transport upgrades, access for the One Mile community and sufficient parking and regulation both at and surrounding the Dunwich terminal,” he said.
“The upgrade for the terminal should also include physical separation of passenger and vehicle ferry terminals and prioritise walking and cycling modes, public transport and efficient drop-off areas.”
Council’s submission gives in-principle support to several major features contained in the concept design, including a dual-berth passenger ferry pontoon, improved pedestrian connections, upgraded vehicle and bus access, on-site parking, kiss-and-ride facilities, sheltered waiting areas, landscaping, public open space and opportunities for small-scale retail and commercial activity.
The Queensland Government is currently seeking community feedback on the proposal, with consultation closing on June 21. Council is encouraging residents, businesses, community groups and ferry users to review the plans and make submissions directly to TMR.
