Residents of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) - including Russell, Macleay, Lamb, and Karragarra are calling for the urgent construction of a bridge connecting our communities to the mainland. For far too long, both mainland and island residents have endured:

• Severe parking shortages at ferry terminals on both the mainland and the islands, forcing residents to park illegally, at great distances, or pay excessive fees.
• Theft, vandalism, and damage to vehicles parked near ferry terminals on the mainland, adding financial stress and fear for residents leaving their cars.
• Mainland foreshores have been taken over by parking, which has become an eyesore and has inconvenienced mainland residents by limiting recreational access.
• Infrequent and unreliable ferry timetables, which do not reflect the growing population, often leave residents stranded or forced to wait hours. For example, on a weekday, a ferry departs from Redland Bay at 8:05 pm, and the next ferry is at 9:15 pm, a one-hour and ten-minute wait.
• Overcrowded ferries, especially at peak times which create unsafe and uncomfortable travel conditions.
• Restricted access to emergency services - transport delays can mean the difference between life and death in critical situations.
• Stifled economic growth - local businesses struggle due to unreliable freight services and reduced customer access.
• Service cancellations due to weather leave residents stranded and cut off from the mainland. This was evident during TC Alfred in March.
• Challenges for residents with disabilities or mobility issues, who face major obstacles navigating ferries and connecting to other transport modes.
• Lack of freight transport options, driving up the cost of basic goods and materials for island residents.
• Mental health impacts caused by chronic transport stress, social isolation, and the uncertainty of travel.
• Dependence on a single fragile transport system - ferry breakdowns or cancellations strand thousands of residents without mobility.

The need for a bridge has never been clearer! A bridge would:

• Provide safe, all-hours access to the mainland.
• Ease pressure on ferries and parking, reducing congestion, vandalism risk, and costs.
• Restore the foreshore areas for mainland community use.
• Support employment, education, healthcare access, and tourism.
• Provide reliable emergency access for health and public safety.
• Foster economic growth and lower the cost of living.
• Enhance social inclusion and reduce isolation for all residents.

Furthermore, if the Weinam Creek Priority Development Area (PDA) multi-storey carpark proceeds, it could be converted to a Park' n' Ride, which will take more cars off the road for those in Redland Bay or from the islands who would like to catch a bus or train into the city. A bridge connection would integrate perfectly with such a system, offering flexibility and future-proofed transport solutions.

We urge the Queensland Government to commence planning, funding, and construction of a bridge connecting the Southern Moreton Bay Islands to the mainland, in collaboration with both Redland City Council and the Federal Government. Our growing community deserves the same safe, reliable, and affordable transportation infrastructure enjoyed by similar island-connected regions, such as Bribie Island and Hope Island, both in South-East Queensland.