New on-water docking hubs for recreational boats, kayaks and water taxis at New Farm Park and Dutton Park are one step closer, following development approval for the new structures this week, to allow construction to commence.
Brisbane City Council Infrastructure Chairman Cr Amanda Cooper said the hubs would be the first to take shape along the inner-city stretch of the Brisbane River, providing more leisure activities for residents in addition to driving tourism.
“Council’s river hubs will enhance the ways Brisbane can experience its iconic river, by providing convenient locations to jump aboard Moreton Bay and island cruises, hop-on hop-off city-sights tours, water-taxis and leisure craft such as kayaks or tinnies,” Cr Cooper said.
“Brisbane is a great place to live, work and relax, but until now residents have not been able to make the most of our River City, due to a lack of short-term moorings in the inner-city for tourist, private and commercial vessels.
“The River Access Network is the next step in the evolution of our river city and will serve as a catalyst for further opportunities along the river, complementing investment in river activities by the private sector.”
Cr Cooper said a large, transport-oriented hub at New Farm Park would provide a collection point for tour boats operators and water taxis, as well as for mooring opportunities for jet skis, catamarans or kayaks.
“New Farm Park is already a popular destination for residents and tourists, with a world-class public park, as well as food, dining and entertainment options with the Brisbane Powerhouse,” she said.
“The river transport hub could accommodate up to 15 vessels at any one time and will allow people to travel via the river, to New Farm as a destination, or as a collection point for tours out to the Bay and islands.”
Cr Cooper said the Dutton Park leisure hub had this week been given the green light to proceed.
“Dutton Park will be home to the city’s first designated water recreation hub, and will give residents the chance to go paddle boarding, kayaking, rowing or fishing in the quieter reaches of the Brisbane River,” she said.
“Council will construct the facility at Dutton Park ferry terminal site, located off TJ Doyle Memorial Drive, and as part of the project will install new ramps to assist water access for small boats and leisure craft.
“Following development approval and the green light from State Government agencies, Council will be calling for tenders to construct the two hubs, with works expected to commence within months.”