Coast still waiting for water service, 15 years after ‘doomsday’ report

THE push for a ferry system on the Gold Coast has been 15 years in the making.

In 2003, in the twilight months of Gary Baildon’s term as mayor, a high-speed ferry linking Brisbane with the Gold and Sunshine coasts was mooted by a Maroochydore-based company. It won the support of Queensland Tourism, but never got off the ground.

The $10 million ferry system was proposed in the wake of a “doomsday” transport report commissioned by the State Government which warned that state-run roads would face total gridlock by 2008.

The ferry, a light rail and overhaul of the city’s bus system were also suggested as ways of taking pressure off the roads.

A report later that year found a ferry travelling 13km between Sea World and Pacific Fair would be viable.

Its proposed stops included Marina Mirage, the former Sundale shopping centre site, Chevron Island, Evandale, Appel Park in Surfers Paradise, Isle of Capri, Jupiters Casino and the Convention Centre and Pacific Fair.

Under that proposal, ferries would run every half-hour, seven days a week between 7am and 10pm.

Ron Clarke, elected mayor the following year, pushed ahead with plans for a solarpowered ferry system. The council selected Solar Coast Cats as the proponent .

However, there was strong opposition from some locals who feared revetment walls along the Nerang River would collapse because of the waves left by the craft.

By 2006, the ferry service was to have 37 stops and appeared certain to launch in 2007.

But speed limits put on the waterways by the Bligh government tanked the proposal.

Nearly a decade later both Mayor Tom Tate and developers such as ASF have attempted to launch a ferry system, but the idea is officially yet to float back on to the agenda.