The region’s only vehicle ferry, which provides the “main gateway” to the iconic Teewah Beach, is set to steer into a new digital era after a recommendation for a new operator.
The cash-only Noosa North Shore Ferry service is the only way for residents, workers and visitors with cars and four-wheel-drives to access the area by road.
Noosa Council operates the services via a commercial service agreement. The current contract commenced in 2009 and is in its final option term, ending on 30 June 2024.
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In March this year, the Council called for tenders to operate the ferry service once the current lease expires. It received five submissions for the contract.
New Zealand-based passenger transport Divers Den Investments (DDI) has been recommended as the “preferred operator”.
A Noosa Council report found that DDI’s tender would provide the most significant benefits due to a streamlined operation using new, larger vessels and contemporary payment systems – including a full suite of digital payment, ticketing, information and application platforms.
“DDI’s Tender B proposes 1 x 12-vehicle and 1 x 27-vehicle ferries, to be newly constructed for the contract and having diesel engine propulsion,” the report read.
“At 27 vehicles, the single larger ferry exceeds the capacity of both existing ferries by 35 per cent.
“The significant vehicle capacity increases will provide a major improvement to the service and substantially eliminate vehicle queuing issues, while also addressing a number of operational risks and allowing Council to future-proof the service.”
As part of the report, the Council also outlined plans to upgrade Moorindil Street – which is the main thoroughfare to the ferry – as allocated in the current financial year budget.
“The project intent is to add a second northbound lane to the Moorindil Street approach to the ferry landings, extending approximately 600m south. New pedestrian and cycle facilities are also proposed.”
Noosa Council’s report also noted passenger fees could rise in the future. Currently prices start from $10 one way for cars with additional charges for larger vehicles, caravans and trailers.
“Increases to crossing fees may be required to ensure the service remains revenue positive and avoids the need for ratepayer subsidisation,” the report stated.
DDI is part of the Entrada Travel Group, which is New Zealand’s largest passenger transport company. The group operates a number of bus, tour, cruise, dive and ferry operations. It also operates the Daintree River vehicle ferry for Douglas Shire Council.
Currently the Noosa ferry service runs daily from 5.30am to 10.20pm on weekdays and until 12.20 am on weekends between Tewantin and Noosa North Shore, with services running every ten minutes.
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