SEALINK South East Queensland has announced it will be renaming its newly launched vehicle ferry, originally called Mirrabooka, due to an oversight in the naming approval process.
While the name was chosen with the intent to honour cultural significance, the company confirmed that it failed to secure the necessary approvals at the time of the ferry’s launch.
The decision comes after SeaLink acknowledged missing the critical step of obtaining formal endorsement for the name, which is a requirement for vessels operating in the region.
Although the name Mirrabooka was intended to celebrate cultural heritage, SeaLink explained that the lack of approval meant the opportunity for official endorsement was missed.
A SeaLink spokesperson expressed regret over the procedural error and outlined the company’s commitment to following proper processes moving forward.
“While Mirrabooka was chosen with good intentions, the necessary approvals were not obtained at the time, meaning the opportunity for formal endorsement was missed,” she said.
To address the issue, SeaLink has confirmed that the ferry will be renamed, and the second ferry scheduled for service soon will also undergo a naming review.
The company emphasised that this decision was in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and designed to ensure all naming procedures reflected community input and respect protocols.
The new vessel, which embarked on its maiden voyage around the island today, offers enhanced capacity, comfort and safety for passengers and vehicles.
With modern amenities such as an air-conditioned lounge, sun deck, and advanced safety features, the ferry is a significant upgrade to the local infrastructure.
“We are committed to ensuring that all naming decisions reflect the proper protocols and community engagement,” the spokes-person said.
