Redland City Council has agreed to increase its share of funding for the Coochiemudlo Island Jetty redevelopment.
It has raised its allocation for the joint project with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) by $560,000 to $2.31 million due to an increase in construction costs since it was first proposed in 2009.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council would also open talks with DTMR about sharing costs of the jetty’s ongoing maintenance.
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“This is a much needed project for the Redlands and, on completion, Council will become the legal owner of both the island’s jetty and the upgraded mainland ferry terminal at Victoria Point,’’ Cr Williams said.
“But marine infrastructure is a responsibility of the State Government and Redlands’ ratepayers shouldn’t have to carry the burden of the jetties’ maintenance alone.’’
The cost of building the new Coochiemudlo jetty is being shared equally with DTMR, which will fully fund the $2.66 million required to upgrade the ferry facilities it currently owns at Victoria Point.
The project, for which tenders will now be called, will provide a safe and fully accessible all-weather ferry service between Coochiemudlo Island and Victoria Point.
Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett (Victoria Point, Coochiemudlo Island, Thornlands and Redland Bay) said he welcomed the funding increase so the building phase could begin.
“These are upgrades which are vital to the future of both Victoria Point and Coochiemudlo Island communities, as well as providing improved access for visitors to one of the City’s most beautiful waterfront playgrounds,’’ Cr Hewlett said.
“This is also collectively one of the biggest projects in the Redlands.’’
The estimated cost of the two projects was revised to $7.28 million on the advice of DTMR, which is responsible for the project.
The old Coochiemudlo Island Jetty will be demolished once the new jetty is completed.
