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More Ferry Disruptions Planned for Brisbane Commuters - Brisbane, QLD
Smart summary
Industrial action to affect River City Ferries services later this week.
Brisbane commuters are being advised to prepare for further disruptions to ferry services as ongoing industrial action by the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) continues to affect the city's River City Ferries network. According to the latest update released on 5 August 2026, additional work stoppages are planned for 7 August, with negotiations between ferry operator River City Ferries and the union continuing over a new enterprise agreement.
River City Ferries operates Brisbane's popular City Cat, City Hopper, and Cross River Ferry services, transporting thousands of passengers every day along the Brisbane River. The ferry network is an important part of the city's public transport system, providing reliable travel between the central business district, riverside suburbs, educational institutions, entertainment precincts and tourist attractions.
The planned industrial action is expected to result in reduced ferry services and possible cancellations across parts of the network. Commuters who regularly rely on ferries to travel to work, school or appointments are being encouraged to monitor service updates before leaving home and consider alternative transport options if necessary.
Despite the planned disruptions, officials have confirmed that Southern Moreton Bay Island ferry services will continue operating as normal. These services are managed separately and are not expected to be affected by the current industrial action. Residents of the island communities can therefore continue using their regular ferry connections without interruption.
The dispute centres on negotiations for a new enterprise agreement covering wages, workplace conditions and employment arrangements for ferry employees. Representatives from the Maritime Union of Australia and River City Ferries have continued discussions in an effort to reach an agreement that addresses the concerns of both workers and management. While negotiations remain ongoing, no final settlement has yet been announced.
River City Ferries has apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers and said it is working closely with Translink to minimise disruption wherever possible. The operator has encouraged customers to regularly check official service alerts, timetable updates and travel advice before starting their journey. Real-time information will also be available through transport apps, station announcements and Translink communication channels.
For many Brisbane residents, ferry services are more than just a convenient form of transport. The City Cat network provides an efficient alternative to road traffic while offering scenic travel along the Brisbane River. Thousands of office workers, students, tourists and local residents use ferry services each day because they provide quick connections between key destinations across the city.
The planned disruptions come as Brisbane continues to experience population growth and increasing demand for public transport. Reliable transport services are considered essential for supporting the city's expanding economy, tourism industry and major infrastructure developments. Maintaining dependable ferry operations is also important as Brisbane prepares for future international events, including the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Transport authorities have advised passengers to allow additional travel time during the industrial action period. Alternative transport options such as buses, trains and other public transport services may experience increased demand as commuters seek different ways to travel around the city. Authorities are encouraging passengers to plan ahead and remain flexible with their travel arrangements.
Industrial negotiations within Australia's public transport sector are generally aimed at achieving improved workplace conditions while ensuring the long-term sustainability of essential services. Both the Maritime Union of Australia and River City Ferries have indicated they remain committed to continuing discussions in hopes of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.
Brisbane City Council and Translink will continue monitoring the situation and providing updated information as negotiations progress. If an agreement is reached before the scheduled industrial action, service disruptions may be reduced or avoided. Until then, commuters are encouraged to stay informed through official transport channels and prepare for possible changes to ferry schedules.
CityFerryTransportServicesBrisbane
Brisbane commuters are being advised to prepare for further disruptions to ferry services as ongoing industrial action by the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) continues to affect the city's River City Ferries network. According to the latest update released on 5 August 2026, additional work stoppages are planned for 7 August, with negotiations between ferry operator River City Ferries and the union continuing over a new enterprise agreement.
River City Ferries operates Brisbane's popular City Cat, City Hopper, and Cross River Ferry services, transporting thousands of passengers every day along the Brisbane River. The ferry network is an important part of the city's public transport system, providing reliable travel between the central business district, riverside suburbs, educational institutions, entertainment precincts and tourist attractions.
The planned industrial action is expected to result in reduced ferry services and possible cancellations across parts of the network. Commuters who regularly rely on ferries to travel to work, school or appointments are being encouraged to monitor service updates before leaving home and consider alternative transport options if necessary.
Despite the planned disruptions, officials have confirmed that Southern Moreton Bay Island ferry services will continue operating as normal. These services are managed separately and are not expected to be affected by the current industrial action. Residents of the island communities can therefore continue using their regular ferry connections without interruption.
The dispute centres on negotiations for a new enterprise agreement covering wages, workplace conditions and employment arrangements for ferry employees. Representatives from the Maritime Union of Australia and River City Ferries have continued discussions in an effort to reach an agreement that addresses the concerns of both workers and management. While negotiations remain ongoing, no final settlement has yet been announced.
River City Ferries has apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers and said it is working closely with Translink to minimise disruption wherever possible. The operator has encouraged customers to regularly check official service alerts, timetable updates and travel advice before starting their journey. Real-time information will also be available through transport apps, station announcements and Translink communication channels.
For many Brisbane residents, ferry services are more than just a convenient form of transport. The City Cat network provides an efficient alternative to road traffic while offering scenic travel along the Brisbane River. Thousands of office workers, students, tourists and local residents use ferry services each day because they provide quick connections between key destinations across the city.
The planned disruptions come as Brisbane continues to experience population growth and increasing demand for public transport. Reliable transport services are considered essential for supporting the city's expanding economy, tourism industry and major infrastructure developments. Maintaining dependable ferry operations is also important as Brisbane prepares for future international events, including the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Transport authorities have advised passengers to allow additional travel time during the industrial action period. Alternative transport options such as buses, trains and other public transport services may experience increased demand as commuters seek different ways to travel around the city. Authorities are encouraging passengers to plan ahead and remain flexible with their travel arrangements.
Industrial negotiations within Australia's public transport sector are generally aimed at achieving improved workplace conditions while ensuring the long-term sustainability of essential services. Both the Maritime Union of Australia and River City Ferries have indicated they remain committed to continuing discussions in hopes of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.
Brisbane City Council and Translink will continue monitoring the situation and providing updated information as negotiations progress. If an agreement is reached before the scheduled industrial action, service disruptions may be reduced or avoided. Until then, commuters are encouraged to stay informed through official transport channels and prepare for possible changes to ferry schedules.
