2019-04-09 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     9 APRIL 2019


The preliminary review indicates that annual concession cards fees could be set at affordable
levels and provide a simpler and more efficient process for all parties.
Staff recommend opportunities for a replacement concession system continue to be explored,
including further consultation with resident groups, Council administration and NNSF.
Priority Slip Lanes
The NNSA has requested Council provide priority access lanes to allow residents to use the ferry
ahead of other visitors and users. Council’s Infrastructure Planning, Design and Delivery section
has undertaken preliminary investigation of opportunities for slip lanes. Their review of design
constraints indicates slip lanes may be achievable along approximately a 480m widening to the
southern approach (Moorindil Street) and a 330m widening to the northern approach (Maximillian
Road). Design staff confirm the works would involve clearing of significant areas of mapped
vegetation on both side of the river and estimate the project cost at approximately $1.4M (ex
GST).
Infrastructure Planning, Design and Delivery is not supportive of the concept based on the
following primary issues:
    The significant project cost;
    The extent of vegetation removal;
    The effectiveness of providing a slip lane noting that, at peak times, queue lengths can be
      significantly longer than the available slip lane length;
    Issues with controlling the use of slip lanes and the burden placed on the responsible party
      (potentially the ferry operator); and
    Likelihood of traffic offences and safety hazards from users driving on the wrong side of the
      road to reach slip lanes.
On this basis, a project to further investigate priority slip lanes does not form part of Council’s
current forward infrastructure planning.
Conclusion
Noosa North Shore Ferries has now operated the commercial ferry service to the Noosa North
Shore for 20 years. In managing the contract, Property staff are in regular contact with the
operator and conduct service delivery meetings and financial audits. Whilst the ferry service is
the source of frustration for a number of residents, staff continue to be satisfied with the service
delivery for what is one of Australia’s busiest vehicle ferries.
With the current 10-year lease nearing the end of its term, Council’s primary options are to
extend the agreement for 5 years (and potentially seek some minor amendments via mutual
agreement) or proceed to a public tender process to establish a new lease.
Based on the review of the service undertaken by White & Grey consulting and Council
Infrastructure staff’s preliminary assessment of requests for priority slip lanes, the following
conclusions are drawn:
    Hours of operation should be maintained at current levels, given the limited demand and
      net costs would need to be subsidised by ratepayers.
    Mandating operation of two ferries at set times would represent a material change to
      service levels and come at significant cost, which would deliver only limited queuing
      efficiencies and likely require significant ratepayer subsidisation.
    The current cash ticketing system provides a simple, efficient and robust system. No
      significant opportunities for loading and queuing improvements are identified. Electronic
      purchasing options currently pose risks to queuing times in the event of connectivity
      interruptions but will increasingly be expected by customers. Opportunities should
      therefore continue to be explored.

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