Article: CityCat terminal to plumb new depths

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CityCat terminal to plumb new depths

CityCat terminal to plumb new depths
Marissa Calligeros
July 25, 2011 - 5:00AM

Brisbane's newest CityCat terminal at West End has been built with flood-resistant features that allow it to be sunk below the water line.

CityCat services from West End will resume next Monday, more than six months after the ferry terminal was washed away in January's flood.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk yesterday officially opened the $5 million terminal at Orleigh Park and also formally launched Brisbane's newest CityCat.

The vessel, called Mudherri, was christened by former Mater Hospital administrator and Queenslander of the Year Sister Angela Mary Doyle.

The new ferry terminal has been upgraded to allow two CityCats to dock at once and also boasts flood-resistant features that allow the pontoon and gangway to be sunk below the water level to stop them being washed away during future floods.

"The reopening of the West End ferry terminal is another major hurdle Brisbane has now overcome in its recovery from January's devastating flood,'' Cr Quirk said.

Other features of the new terminal include a sheltered, non-slip walkway, waiting area, gangway and pontoon; provision for a 'Go Card' top-up facility; unisex public toilet and sheltered 24-hour rack bike storage.

During January's floods, 23 of Brisbane's ferry terminals were damaged, eight of which were completely destroyed.

The upgrade of the West End terminal was brought forward as a result.

"I think everybody would agree that it was far better value for ratepayers that we pushed ahead with pre-existing plans to build a new ferry terminal at West End, rather than spending millions of dollars on a replacement that would then have to be rebuilt later in the year," Cr Quirk said.

Brisbane's River Plaza CityFerry stop, damaged during the floods, will also reopen today.

Cr Quirk said the council would launch another new CityCat ferry by 2012, taking the Brisbane fleet to 19.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/citycat-terminal-to-plumb-new-depths-20110724-1hv8f.html