The announcement, revealed exclusively by the Redcliffe & Bayside Herald, was met with excitement from locals who have missed a Moreton Island connection since the Combie Trader II ceased operation in 2008. But concerns have been raised about the cost.
A return trip between the Redcliffe Jetty and Bulwer, which takes about 45 minutes, will cost $80 per adult, $62 for a child, or $220 for a family.
In comparison, one-way tickets from the closest service at the Port of Brisbane cost $28 for an adult or $18 for a child ($56 return for adult; and $36 return for a child).
But it takes double the time once on the boat plus time and costs associated with travelling to Brisbane.
The ferry service from Pinkenba to Tangalooma Island Resort takes about 75 minutes and costs $80 for adults and $45 for a child.
While many have taken to the Herald’s Facebook page to express their dislike at the cost, many others are willing to pay $24 more per adult ticket for the convenience and in support of local business on the Peninsula.
Taking a vehicle from Port of Brisbane – which the Redcliffe service does not offer – costs from $75 each way including the driver, and up to $300 for a trip in peak season.
The ferry will depart the Redcliffe Jetty at 10am for the first time on September 24, and every Sunday thereafter, with the permit allowing for additional services.
The boat leaves Bulwer at 3pm and arrives back at the Peninsula by 4pm.
The 22m ferry known as Redcliffe2Moreton Express carries up to 100 passengers and will be run by local business Dolphin Wild Island Cruises owners Jim and Lisa Edwards.
Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism, a contractor of Moreton Bay Regional Council tasked with running most of the council’s events and promoting tourism and business in the region, will operate the service.
MBRIT chief executive Shane Newcombe said the price was “competitive” and the service relied on patronage to remain viable.
“The demand we get for the ferry will play a huge role in increased services and (changes to) pricing,” Mr Newcombe said.
An online poll, conducted by the Herald, found more than 40 per cent of the 400-plus respondents wanted the service to operate on Friday afternoon, to allow for weekend stays on the island.
Those who said they wanted to try the service said they were happy to support a family-owned and operated business.
Annalese Greiner told the Herald: “I would (be) happy to support this family-owned business trying to bring something back to the region that has been missed and sought after by community for so long.”
“Another great thing for tourists and locals to do right from our backyard. Buy local, support local business.”
Mr Newcombe thanked Redcliffe state Labor MP Yvette D’Ath and Environment Minister Steven Miles for their support with State Government approvals, as well as Moreton Bay Regional Council.
Ms D’Ath said the credit belonged to Mrs Edwards for coming up with the idea and plan for a ferry service.
“Anyone on the northside now doesn’t have to … spend most of the day travelling to Moreton. They can come here, have breakfast and enjoy the markets, get on a boat and be on Moreton Island less than an hour later, and then return here for a meal,” Ms D’Ath said.
Councillor Koliana Winchester (Div 5) said the issue of carpark spaces near the Redcliffe Jetty was something she would discuss with MBRIT if needed,but pointed out there were several nearby carparks, including in front of the Redcliffe police station to the north and near Settlement Cove Lagoon to the south.
Mrs Edwards, whose business has operated on the Peninsula for close to 30 years, said there were a lot of costs associated with operating the vessel and she hoped residents and visitors would support the service.
“If we can’t cover costs, we can’t operate,” she said.
She said there would be a taxi service once passengers arrived at Bulwer.
“We are really excited to offer this to the community, and the businesses it will support,” Mrs Edwards said.