Flood-hit ferry owners fight

Lisa and Dale Lockley with children Ben and Bridget are struggling to stay afloat six months after the Christmas floods.

Mike Knott

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THE Bundaberg Ferry Company is teetering on the brink as its owners wait for the restoration of a council-owned pontoon, six months after the floods that destroyed it.

Dale and Lisa Lockley operate party boat Bundy Belle and daily cruise vessel the Burnett Queen from the Bundaberg Regional Council pontoon, which is for the private use of their business.

But the pontoon was washed away during the Christmas floods and they are still waiting for it to be repaired.

Mrs Lockley said council had replaced the public pontoon, which could be used in the interim, but it was not an “ideal situation” because some of the antics at the public wharf could have a detrimental impact on their business.

“There have been people swimming naked from that pontoon and drinking alcohol,” she said.

Mrs Lockley said she did not know how much longer she and her husband could hold out as they battled to pay bills and meet loan repayments.

“Clearly, there’s no income coming in,” she said.

The couple, who have three children aged 16, 10 and seven, bought the company 18 months ago, but have had just 12 months of operation.

“We were going really great and looking at all these wonderful things to do with the boats,” she said.

“But that hasn’t worked out for us.

“We fully believe we are going to get back into business – but we desperately need that pontoon.”

The mother-of-three admitted it was tough watching other businesses reopen and had started thriving again.

“We are very happy for everyone back up on their feet, but I wish we were there to join them,” she said.

Deputy Mayor Tony Ricciardi said the public pontoon was restored first because it had suffered less damage and was quicker to fix.

“We’re still waiting for material to put in the pylons (for the private pontoon),” he said.

“I know it’s nearly been six months, but the river has been in bad shape.”

Cr Ricciardi said the private pontoon was bigger and out in deeper water, which made it more difficult to repair.

“We are trying our hardest,” he said.

“We will work very closely with Lisa and crew and get them running again soon.”

Acting CEO John Clerke said the private pontoon was expected to be installed in August.

Mr Clerke said other rivers had been affected by the floods and were also in need of urgent repair work.

“They’re also trying to get their facilities repaired as quickly as possible,” he said.