1 week ago
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Water taxis and other new river services could soon be operating in Brisbane after the lord mayor announced plans to open council pontoons and jetties to more tourism and hospitality businesses.
“It’s something that will be good for Brisbane and create more to see and do,” Adrian Schrinner told councillors in the City Hall chamber on Tuesday afternoon. “This is something exciting.”
Schrinner said the plan would attract water taxi operators, as well as new dining cruises, tour boats and adventure companies, in a move similar to the historic push to allow footpath dining.
The New Farm Park River Hub is among the spots that could host more hospitality and tourism businesses.Credit: Rosanna Ryan
The council said its changes would include “new infrastructure, where needed, and a licensing system that encourages investment and provides certainty, pending state government approval”.
Eight pontoons along the river are being considered for “activation”:
- Murarrie Recreation Hub
- Northshore Hamilton Recreation Hub
- Kingsford Smith Drive Recreation Hub
- New Farm Park River Hub
- City Botanic Gardens River Hub
- West End Recreation Hub (temporarily closed for repairs)
- Dutton Park Recreation Hub
- Riverhills Recreation Hub
Most are currently used for short-term recreation, such as kayaking or drop-offs, but a review into the best use of each – and the former Gardens Point marina moorings – will now begin.
Tuesday’s announcement came just a week after a jetski operator was told they would be evicted from the pontoon at the City Botanic Gardens.
A spokesperson for the lord mayor said the notice was given by an independent council officer, and would not be enforced while the planned rule changes were explored.
The opposition was unconvinced.
“We welcome new opportunities to create local jobs and give people more options to enjoy the Brisbane River,” Labor leader Jared Cassidy said in a statement.
“However … this LNP council has a bad habit of pulling the trigger to boot people out before meeting with them and solving issues first.”
Greens councillor Trina Massey argued the plan equated to privatisation of a public asset, with the pontoons and jetties existing for community use.
“I’m telling you, it’s because they’ve run out of money,” she said.
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