Commuters and tourists alike could soon sail the sparkling waters of Moreton Bay through Bay Cats, which are a modern ferry service that aims to alleviate traffic on the Bruce Highway whilst showcasing the region’s beauty.
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The Moreton Bay Regional Council announced it will fund a demand study investigating the viability of a ferry service in Moreton Bay, which could create an aquatic public transport network linking Bribie Island to Brisbane.
Mayor Peter Flannery emphasised that all options, even bold ones, must be considered to address the shortage of major transport infrastructure in one of Australia’s fastest growing areas.
He stated that the council can’t keep doing things the same way and expect different outcomes. Mayor Flannery noted that whilst a ferry system may seem like unconventional thinking, the region needs to consider innovative solutions like this.
“Our population is growing, the Bruce is grinding to a halt, congestion consistently rates as one of the highest stress factors for locals in their lives – and yet we have this stunning expanse of sheltered waters just to the east of us that we’re not using to help people get around,” said Mayor Flannery.
“So we’re daring to ask, why not investigate Bay Cats as an aquatic alternative?”
Moreton Maritime Alliance Director Brad Flynn said the region needs public transport options that showcase Moreton Bay and take people directly to key destinations.
“Not since the 60s and 70s has SEQ seen major investment in public boat harbours, when Scarborough Harbour, Cabbage Tree Creek Harbour and Manly Harbour were built. So all these decades later it’s time for us to get creative again,” he said.
Mr Flynn highlighted that there is an abundance of tourism, industry, research and education, and of course transport and marine infrastructure opportunities that Moreton Bay is missing out on right now.
“Our current public transport system only accounts for roughly 2% of commutes from outside Moreton Bay into our region, which is a statistic so shockingly close to zero that it speaks for itself.
“We have an opportunity to create a service that leaves a lasting impression on the people who visit our city so they’ll go home and tell their friends and family what a great place Moreton Bay and South East Queensland was to see.”
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If the demand is there, Council would then need to upgrade existing jetties and invest in new ones to ideally link Bongaree, Sandstone Point, Scarborough Harbour, Redcliffe, Woody Point, Shorncliffe, and the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.
Published 17-August-2023
