Support for ferry service

A FERRY service has been proposed between Broadwater Parklands and The Spit to help reduce growing traffic congestion in the area.

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is open to the proposal, which would include a water shuttle operating regularly from the pier at the Broadwater Parklands.

The proposed ferry service was unveiiled yesterday as part of the Gold Coast CBD Program 2025, a wide-ranging plan to revitalise and encourage businesses to the CBD.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is pushing for the water shuttle from the CBD.

“I continue to lobby for this, as it’s a great addition to our transport network, especially for major events like we have happening today (GC600),” Cr Tate said.

Any water shuttle needs approval from the GCWA.

The Mayor said the GCWA had previously said no to a ferry service.

But GCWA CEO Hal Morris said he was not aware of the ferry proposal.

“We would consider looking at it with interest,” Mr Morris said.

“It’s certainly not something we would automatically dismiss.”

The more than 100-page CBD program was released yesterday for public consultation and outlines future plans for the Gold Coast.

The plans include finding ways to reduce traffic congestion, attract businesses and consolidate facilities already in the CBD, including improving pedestrian access to the Broadwater Parklands, establishing and consolidating industry precincts and establishing public Wi-Fi.