MR DOWLING ASKED THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT (MS NOLAN)—
QUESTION:
What were the cost projections for the proposed Translink roll out of the Southern Moreton
Bay Islands ferry service?
ANSWER:
I thank the Member for Redlands for the question.
Several ferry operators currently provide a range of water taxi, passenger and vehicular services to the Southern Moreton bay islands. These services are operated on a commercial basis and have serviced the island communities well for many years.
The TransLink Transit Authority has sought advice on a range of options regarding the funding of these ferry services, provision of ticket products and setting of fares. Some of these options require substantial levels of funding investment into infrastructure and equipment, as well as significant ongoing subsidies for fares to and from the Southern Moreton Bay islands.
Preliminary cost estimates for TransLink to enter into contracts with operators to provide services under the TransLink brand with go card ticketing and fares are in the order of $15-18 million per annum. One way to fund these extra services could be a contribution from Redlands City Council. Other councils such Brisbane City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Gold Coast City Council and Sunshine Coast Regional Council all contribute to the provision of public transport in their areas.
TransLink will continue to monitor patronage and service levels to the islands and work with the operators to ensure that connections between island ferry services and mainland TransLink bus and rail services meet the needs of passengers.
The Queensland Government has a proud record of delivering public transport. In 2009-10 the Queensland Government delivered 304 000 new weekly seats on public transport in South East Queensland. In 2010-11 we plan to deliver 305 000. Currently for every $1 a passenger pays in fares, taxpayers put in $3. In the Eastern region, in the last five years,the Queensland Government has increased the bus fleet by more than 38%, spent more than $6.4 million on new services and reduced overcrowding on the Cleveland train line.