The restoration of Brisbane’s ferry network is now complete, with all 21 terminals now operational just 12 months on from the devastating February 2022 floods.
The final two, and most damaged terminals, North Quay and Regatta reopened today.
Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner said he was incredibly impressed with the huge amount of collaborative work done by an array of local businesses to complete the extensive repairs.
“Brisbane’s ferry network has been completely restored within 12 months, and it’s more resilient than ever before,” he said.
“In 2011 we lost seven ferry terminals, and it took four years before they were all fully rebuilt.
“Following the devastating February 2022 floods, we were able to get our first ferry services back running after just 90 days with 60 per cent of terminals open by mid-May, 90 per cent open by Christmas and now the full network has been restored within 12 months.”
The last terminals to reopen, North Quay and Regatta were in the most turbulent parts of the Brisbane River during the flood, which resulted in the gangways being significantly damaged.
The gangways needed to be removed from the river to be repaired so that the teams could complete the complex work without the challenges of moving water.
Lord Mayor Schrinner said repair works had involved marine specialists along with a whole suite of supporting trades.
“From painters and plumbers to concreters and crane operators the works both on river and landside to repair these final two terminals has been remarkable,” he said.
“Each of our flood resilient terminals have been being built back better, with specialist marine contractors lowering the gangway release mechanisms by 500 millimetres so they swing open sooner in the event of another river flood disaster.
“The return of these final two terminals is a huge win for both residents and visitors who can now travel the entire stretch of the river from Northshore Hamilton to UQ St Lucia.”
The repairs were completed as part of Council’s $16 million ferry terminal restoration program.
