THE future of North Stradbroke Island’s ferry network remains under scrutiny, with concerns over competition, parking, weather resilience and community choice shaping the debate over a proposed $41 million upgrade of the Dunwich Ferry Terminal.
Division 2 councillor Peter Mitchell, who represents North Stradbroke Island, said the project was a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” but warned it needed to deliver more than just new infrastructure.
“This must be an island- led, community-first outcome,” Cr Mitchell said.
The proposed terminal upgrade forms part of the State Government’s long-term plans for Dunwich and includes a new dual-berth ferry facility, upgraded passenger amenities and improvements to transport connections.
However, councillors raised concerns about suggestions that ferry services currently operating from One Mile could eventually be consolidated at the Junner Street terminal precinct.
Cr Mitchell said many residents remained unconvinced that now was the right time for consolidation.
“There’s strong local community-based support at the moment for maintaining choice, the role of independent ferry operators and for multiple operators to work through onto that island,” he said.
“The local community are still very much using One Mile as a part of their integrated transportation choices.
“So, they don’t want to reduce competition.”
Councillor Paul Bishop said revisions made to the submission following discussions with councillors and council officers better reflected community concerns.
He warned that relocating ferry services alone would not solve broader transport issues.
“Current parking pressures at One Mile are well understood, but simply relocating ferry operations doesn’t remove the parking demand,” he said.
“Without a clear, broader integrated strategy, there’s a real risk that parking impacts will simply shift elsewhere within Dunwich.”
Cr Bishop also highlighted concerns about weather resilience at the proposed terminal site, noting One Mile Harbour historically developed where it did because of natural protection from westerly winds and waves.
He said any future closure of One Mile services should only occur once appropriate infrastructure and operational solutions were in place.
“Such as a breakwater to make sure it’s an all-weather arrival point,” he said.
Councillors also called on the State Government to honour commitments contained in previous planning documents, including improved public transport integration, marine safety improvements, pedestrian and cycling connections and adequate parking facilities.
Cr Mitchell said residents had become wary after years of promised projects and planning strategies that failed to materialise.
Despite those concerns, councillors broadly welcomed the Government’s investment in island infrastructure and praised ongoing engagement with the community.
The adopted submission will now be forwarded to the Government as part of the consultation process for the Dunwich Ferry Terminal concept plan.
