Mowbray Park CityCat Terminal Set to Reopen with Major Upgrades

The Mowbray Park CityCat terminal in Kangaroo Point is set to reopen on December 9 following an extensive eight-month upgrade. The revamped terminal will enhance commuter convenience with new features and service changes, offering improved connectivity across the city.


Read: Kangaroo Point to Anchor Major CityLink Cycleway Expansion


Key Upgrades and Features

Photos credit: Esther Kavanamur/Google Maps

The redevelopment of the Mowbray Park terminal introduces cutting-edge features aimed at improving passenger convenience, safety, and accessibility:

  • Revamped Waiting Area: The waiting area has been repurposed and refurbished to create an open and transparent space for passengers.
  • New Walkway and Dual Berth Pontoon:
    • A fixed walkway now connects the upgraded waiting area to a new flood-resilient gangway.
    • The dual berth pontoon accommodates all vessels in Brisbane’s ferry fleet, enhancing service efficiency.
  • Structural Enhancements:
    • Installation of new piles to support the fixed walkway, pontoon restraint, and ferry movement.
  • Improved Aesthetic and Identification: A refreshed design includes updated terminal identification signage for easier navigation.
  • Enhanced Safety: Features include improved lighting and expanded CCTV coverage, ensuring a secure environment for commuters.
  • Removal and Reconstruction: The existing pontoon, gangway, and associated piles were removed to make way for modern infrastructure.

Service Changes and Expansions

CityCat
Photo credit: Robert Goh/Google Maps

From January 28, three faster cross-river services will commence, complementing the improved Mowbray Park terminal. Transport Chair Ryan Murphy announced that these changes aim to create a more seamless travel experience by integrating the KittyCat and CityCat services.

Cr Murphy explained that the change will double the KittyCat services and ensure they align with the CityCat timetable, providing a smoother travel experience for passengers using the network.

Passengers boarding from Mowbray Park will also have direct access to the Howard Smith Wharves for the first time since the stop was added to the CityCat network in May.

Adjustments to Apollo Road and Milton Terminals

CityCat
Photo credit: Paul Clapham/Google Maps

The reopening of Mowbray Park comes with timetable adjustments. Starting December 9, CityCats will alternate stops at Apollo Road in Bulimba and Milton, halving the frequency of service to these terminals. Morning and afternoon express CityCats between West End and QUT Gardens Point will make an additional stop at Milton.

These changes, according to Translink, are necessary to accommodate the extra travel time for the Mowbray Park stop. Both Apollo Road and Milton were chosen for reduced services due to lower patronage and alternative transport options nearby.


Read: Community Feedback Sought on Kangaroo Point Ferry Improvements


Expanding Brisbane’s Ferry Network

With the reopening of Mowbray Park, the number of operational CityCat terminals across Brisbane will reach a record high of 19. The improvements mark another step forward in enhancing Brisbane’s public transport infrastructure.

For more information, passengers can visit the Translink website to review updated schedules and plan their journeys accordingly.

Published 7-December-2024

Petition Calls for New CityCat Stop in Kangaroo Point

A petition has been launched calling for the addition of a CityCat stop at Holman Street in Kangaroo Point, highlighting the growing demand for improved public transportation in the area.


Read: Delays Persist in Completion of Kangaroo Point Riverwalk Amid New Cycling Lane Proposals


Kangaroo Point, considered as one of Queensland’s most densely populated suburbs with over 11,000 residents, has been facing challenges with its current public transport options. The petition draws attention to the lack of CityCat stops in the area, despite the presence of suitable terminals at Holman Street and Dockside.

CityCat Stop
Photo credit: Varinia Street/Google Maps

According to Greens MP for South Brisbane Amy MacMahon, who started the petition, residents have reported overcrowding on the free CityHopper service, often resulting in waiting for the next ferry. The recent introduction of 50-cent fares on the Holman Street Cross River Ferry has led to similar capacity issues.

The petition also notes the imbalance in CityCat stop distribution, with five stops on the north side of the river between the City/South Brisbane and New Farm/East Brisbane, compared to only one functioning stop on the south side.

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook

Supporters of the petition argue that an additional CityCat stop in Kangaroo Point would not only benefit local residents but also increase accessibility for northside CityCat users.

The push for improved public transport in Kangaroo Point comes in the wake of the removal of the popular 27 shuttle bus and the absence of high-frequency bus services in the area. These factors have contributed to increased passenger demand for ferry services.

“This change should be made immediately and not delayed until a full network review takes place,” Ms MacMahon stated.


Read: Over a Decade of Greenery: How Kangaroo Point Park Reshaped an Educational Site


The outcome of this petition may have significant implications for Kangaroo Point’s public transportation infrastructure as the suburb continues to grow and develop.

Published 19-September-2024