Page 4 - Best Of Local Mag August 2023 Edition

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We integrate senior schooling

and industry training

BAY CATS: Council Investigates Ocean Ferries as Alternative to Bruce

Commuters and tourists could take to the “If the demand is there, we would then “Not since the 60s and 70s has SEQ seen
seas in a unique way to ease congestion need to upgrade existing jetties and invest major investment in public boat harbours,
on the Bruce Highway and also create a in new ones to ideally link Bongaree, when Scarborough Harbour, Cabbage
new tourist attraction in Moreton Bay. Sandstone Point, Scarborough Harbour, Tree Creek Harbour and Manly Harbour
Redcliffe, Woody Point, Shorncliffe, and were built. So all these decades later it’s
Council announced it will fund a demand the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal. time for us to get creative again,” he said.
study investigating the viability of a ferry Apply now for Year 11, 2024
service in Moreton Bay, dubbed ‘Bay “In particular we know the infrastructure “Despite this lack of investment, the ‘blue
Cats’, that could create an aquatic public constraint that the Bribie Bridge creates economy’ is actually growing faster than
transport network linking Bribie Island to for islanders as the only way on and the Australian economy and has increased Get a head start on your trade career while completing
Brisbane. off, so a ferry service could be a viable in value by 126% since 2001 with marine
alternative to connect residents into industries contributing approximately your QCE in a school-based apprenticeship
Mayor Peter Flannery said all options heavy rail stations. $74 billion to the Australian economy.
must be on the table and must be
considered to help address the shortfall “Obviously if the investigation tells us the “There is an abundance of tourism,
in major transport infrastructure in one of demand isn’t there it won’t be a goer, but industry, research and education,
Australia’s fastest growing areas. our preliminary discussions with industry, and of course transport and marine With a range of industries to choose from, our integrated curriculum combines hands-on
the Moreton Maritime Alliance, and ferry infrastructure opportunities that we’re and classroom learning for years 10, 11 and 12. School weeks comprise two days of hands-
“Yes this is bold thinking, but we can’t keep services providers have all been incredibly missing out on right now. on trade training and three days of regular school – all at our state of the art Scarborough
doing things the same way and expect a positive so far. campus. Nail the connection between academic studies, nationally recognised qualifications,
different outcome,” Mayor Flannery said. “Our current public transport system only practical work experience and pathways into school-based apprenticeships. In 2022, 100%
“Believe it or not Brisbane’s City Cats accounts for roughly 2% of commutes
“Our population is growing, the Bruce is have only been operating for 26 years, from outside Moreton Bay into our region, of our Year 12 students graduated with their QCE and 90% commenced an apprenticeship.
grinding to a halt, congestion consistently but fastforward to 2023 and they’re very which is a statistic so shockingly close to
rates as one of the highest stress factors much part of the capital’s identity. zero that it speaks for itself. Our range of courses include:
for locals in their lives - and yet we have
this stunning expanse of sheltered waters “Just as Vancouver’s rainbow-coloured “Clearly we need other public transport • Automotive • Cabinet Making • Metal Engineering
just to the east of us that we’re not using Aquabuses are now an icon, Amsterdam’s options to get people coming into our • Commercial Cookery • Electrotechnology • Plumbing
to help people get around. ferries are the free way to cross the river region, and take them directly to the • Construction • Hairdressing and • Health Services
from Central Station and Copenhagen’s destinations they want to visit.
“So we’re daring to ask, why not investigate harbour buses are the most colourful way • Information Technology • Barbering • Early Years Education
Bay Cats as an aquatic alternative? to get downtown.” “We have an opportunity to create a
service that leaves a lasting impression
“The study will look at the possible Moreton Maritime Alliance Director Brad on the people who visit our city so they’ll  07 3880 4331
demand for this kind of ferry service for Flynn said it was high time SEQ had a go home and tell their friends and family Information Event and Campus Tour info@tradecollege.com.au
both commuters and visitors. This is a public transport icon that actually utilises what a great place Moreton Bay and South 5 September and 24 October 2023 at 6pm tradecollege.com.au
golden opportunity pre-Olympics to make the stunning sheltered waters of Moreton East Queensland was to see.”
Moreton Bay a ‘must visit’ destination. Bay.