Redland City Council is set to formally back a major overhaul of the Dunwich Ferry Terminal while calling on the Queensland Government to consolidate all public ferry services at a single island gateway and take full responsibility for managing the facility.
A report to next week’s general meeting recommends councillors endorse a submission to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) outlining Council’s desired outcomes for the $41 million Dunwich Ferry Terminal Upgrade Project, which is currently out for public consultation until June 21.
The project, identified as a catalyst project under the Gumpi Master Plan and funded through the South East Queensland City Deal, would deliver a new passenger ferry pontoon, upgraded waiting areas, improved bus and vehicle access, landscaping, public open space and small-scale retail opportunities.
However, Council’s submission goes further, urging the State Government to use the upgrade as an opportunity to permanently relocate all public ferry operations from the One Mile ferry terminal to the upgraded Dunwich facility.
Under the proposal, the upgraded terminal would be designed from the outset to accommodate multiple ferry operators, with sufficient parking and vehicle queuing capacity to support the transfer of services currently operating from One Mile.
“Council takes the position that the Stradbroke Flyer must be instructed to vacate the One Mile ferry terminal and move to the upgraded Dunwich ferry terminal upon opening,” the draft submission states.
Officers argue the current arrangement, with passenger ferry services split between the Dunwich and One Mile terminals, creates inefficiencies for visitors and residents, contributes to parking pressures and complicates public transport planning.
The report identifies several existing issues at the ferry precinct, including poor pedestrian and cycling connections, bus operational constraints, parking shortages spilling into neighbouring properties and a transport network that prioritises private vehicles over walking, cycling and public transport.
Council is also seeking stronger links between the terminal, the Dunwich town centre, QUAMPI and the broader active transport network, in line with the Gumpi Master Plan vision for the precinct as the primary gateway to Minjerribah.
While supporting the project, Council is making it clear it does not want to inherit responsibility for operating or maintaining the facility.
“The site is and will continue to be a public transport interchange, which should be the sole responsibility of the Queensland Government to manage and maintain,” the submission states.
Council is also seeking a review of the complex land ownership and management arrangements across the precinct, which currently involve multiple State agencies, council-controlled land and private leaseholders.
The report warns that accepting development, operational or maintenance responsibilities for the upgraded terminal would expose Council to significant ongoing financial risks.
Officers instead recommend Council continue advocating for State ownership and management of the entire transport hub.
Despite those concerns, Council has reaffirmed its commitment under the SEQ City Deal to contribute $1 million towards the project.
Officers describe the contribution as a worthwhile investment given the project’s significance to the Minjerribah community and Council’s ability to influence its final design and outcomes.
The concept design released by TMR includes dual passenger ferry berths, improved pedestrian links, upgraded bus facilities, additional parking, kiss-and-ride areas, sheltered waiting spaces, landscaping and provision for retail and commercial activities.
Council says it supports those elements in principle, subject to further refinement through community consultation and detailed design.
Councillors are being asked to authorise the chief executive officer to lodge the submission with TMR ahead of the close of consultation later this month.
