Brisbane Ferry
Monohull ferries rejoin the ferry fleet as the Schrinner Council invests more than $4 million over two years to restore three vessells to re-enter service alongside the five new KittyCats.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced the detailed business case had been received and the ferry restoration was now budgeted for.
“We’ve considered the expert advice and have made the decision to repair and return three of the wooden ferries into service,” Cr Schrinner said.
“It was the right call to remove the wooden monohull ferries from service last year for safety reasons.
“The risk assessment reports found the structural integrity of all wooden-hulled vessels was compromised, with some having extensive deterioration and no longer considered safe.
“Over the past eight months we’ve undertaken various assessments of the fleet, received the final business case and I have now ensured funding is allocated to get on with the repairs” he said.
Cr Schrinner said although the business case recommended decommissioning all the older ferries, he had made a ‘captain’s call’ that would see some of the ferries restored and returned to the river.
“It will come at a slightly higher cost, but it’s the right thing to do. There is $1.8 million allocated in 2021-22 and more than $2.2 million in 2022-23.
“These ferries are part of modern Brisbane’s history and we want to see them continue to play a role in our city’s future.”
“These vessels are up to 37 years old, and unlike recreational vessels that get occasional use, they’ve been working hard on the river virtually every day since they entered service.”
Public and Active Transport Chair Councillor Ryan Murphy, said buses, trains and ferries all have a use-by-date and had to be retired and replaced at some stage.
“We get approximately 20 years of life out of buses and CityCats, so for these old ferries to be operating for up to 37 years is pushing their limits.
We’ve identified which vessels are in the best condition and we’re going to lovingly restore them to serve the people of Brisbane for many more years.”
BACKGROUND
VESSELS TO BE RESTORED:
- John Oxley – launched June 1990
- Kalparrin – Launched June 1993
- Lucinda – launched June 1986 or Bulimba launched in June 1984 (based on further analysis)
For more information about how we are planning for better public transport and ferry infrastructure, and for projects currently underway, just visit https://vickihoward.com/2021projects, and https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/public-transport/citycat-and-ferry-services/ferry-terminal-upgrades/howard-smith-wharves-ferry-terminal