2019-04-09 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                   9 APRIL 2019


REPORT
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the Noosa North Shore Ferry service and
seek Council agreement to award an extension to the current commercial lease for the service.
Background
Commercial ferry operations have provided access to the Noosa North Shore since the 1960’s.
Council operates the Noosa North Shore Ferry service via a commercial lease agreement
currently held by Noosa North Shore Ferries Pty Ltd (NNSF). The lease was awarded to NNSF
in 2009 for a 10-year term and includes provision for one 5-year extension (only), subject to the
mutual agreement of both parties. NNSF held the previous ferry lease from 1999-2009.
Council’s Property unit manages the ferry lease contract and conducts regular auditing and
service provision meetings with the lessee.
The ferry provides the primary vehicle access to residents, workers and visitors to the Noosa
North Shore, carrying in excess of 300,000 vehicles annually and making it one of the busiest
ferry services in Australia. Peak visitation to the Noosa North Shore occurs during school holiday
periods, with ferry usage at its highest during September, December and January. An aerial
photograph of the ferry crossing location is shown below.




                   Figure 1 – Aerial Photograph of Noosa River Ferry Crossing




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