Asked on 5 October 2010
MR DOWLING asked the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning (MR HINCHLIFFE) –
QUESTION:
With reference to advice from southern Moreton Bay residents that talks with senior Government officers have taken place to investigate a possible barge service from the southern end of Russell Island across to the mainland-
(1) What progress, if any, has been made and what meetings and discussions have taken place?
(2) Does the Department of Infrastructure and Planning support this proposal?
(3) Has the Department of Infrastructure and Planning considered a proposal from island resident groups for a barge service from Macleay Island to Victoria Point, and if so, does the Minister support it?
ANSWER:
I thank the Member for Redlands for his question.
I am advised that there have been no direct meetings between officers from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning and any applicant for a barge proposal to the southern end of Russell Island, or with any residents group from Macleay Island.
I can advise that the Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP) is part of a Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) working group. As a matter of business, the SMBI working group and DIP may consider a range of propositions from the community for barge links between the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and the mainland.
I understand that a detailed discussion paper on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands Integrated Local Transport Plan will soon be released for by Redland City Council for public comment. Following the release of this discussion paper, Council will facilitate a number of workshops to enable the community to contribute further to future transport and planning options for Redland residents. Further, I understand that consultants have been engaged by Council to undertake a barge study as part of the Integrated Local Transport Plan project.
I can advise the Member that local development applications, including any for barge services to Russell Island and/or Macleay Island, are directed through the Redland City Council for assessment via the normal planning processes. I note that my colleague, the Minister for Transport, would also have an interest in maritime service issues related to any barge applications.