TRANSPORT connectivity at Weinam Creek is among the top priorities adopted by Redland City Council to be sent to all candidates and political parties contesting the 2024 Queensland State Election.
A list of 10 priorities has been adopted and will be used by the Council to advocate to candidates on behalf of the Redlands Coast community ahead of the October 26 poll.
Council is advocating for comprehensive funding for a multi-level Park ’n’ Ride within the Weinam Creek PDA, believing improved connectivity between the mainland and Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) will have multiple benefits.
In March, the Queensland Government announced it would provide $15 million in funding to contribute to the delivery of the planned car park at the Weinam Creek ferry terminal, which will be delivered by Redland City Council.
“I’ve worked hard with the incoming new Mayor to try and fast track a solution at Weinam Creek by providing a $15 million State Government grant to the Redland City Council,” said State Member for Redlands Kim Richards.
A Transport and Main Roads (TMR) spokesperson added: “The car park will service the future Weinam Creek Priority Development Area (PDA) commercial precinct and the residents and visitors to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, including Macleay, Lamb, Karragarra and Russell islands.”
Council is also advocating for regional status recognition for Redlands Coast islands in relation to state and federal planning and funding.
A discussion paper released by a collective of SMBI community groups has highlighted the need for a revitalised water transportation strategy to keep up with the population growth of the islands.
The document outlines major changes to the region since the existing water transport strategy was last reviewed in 2011.
This includes population growth and a reduction of available parking spots at Weinam Creek development, SMBI’s reclassification as a non-regional area making it ineligible for regional grants, and no state or local planning for growth, services, infrastructure, or transportation.
A TMR spokesperson said Translink contracted SeaLink to run ferry services between Weinam Creek and SMBI at a high frequency from 4am to after midnight.
“SMBI’s inclusion as part of the Translink network presents considerable economic and social benefits for the island communities and local businesses,” the TMR spokesperson said.
“Residents benefit from significant passenger savings through free inter-island travel.”
The spokesperson outlined recent improvements in ferry and bus services connecting the SMBI with the mainland, including a new and enhanced timetable introduced in May this year, changes and adjustments to weekday and Saturday timetable for bus routes 250 and 272 to better connect to the new ferry timetable, and improvements to the Redlands bus network.
“Translink continues to monitor demand for ferry services and community feedback,” they said.
“Subject to funding availability, this information will be used to identify opportunities for further enhancements during future network reviews.”
Furthermore, TMR is currently undertaking the Bayside and Redlands Transport and Mobility Study, although transport and connectivity specifically on the SMBI have not been included within the project scope.
“Transport demand to and from the islands has been captured as part of the consultation exercise and transport modelling tasks associated with the study.”
