By Abbey Cannan
Noosa North Shore Ferries are set to trial EFTPOS payment following a petition calling for a change to their policies.
Tewantin resident Greta Sluce started the petition in the hope that the ferry managers would accept silver coins or implement card facilities after allegedly being “verbally abused“ by a worker for using silver coins.
“My husband and I are local Tewantin residents and use the Noosa North Shore ferry service one to two times a week to take our dog to the beach,“ Greta said on the petition.
“On Monday 7 June we were verbally abused by a worker for handing over $1 in silver coins (50c, 2 x 20c, 1x 10c) to help make up the $16 fair it costs to get there and back on the ferry.
“This ferry is the gateway to major tourist attractions here in Noosa and sees thousands of visitors to the area yearly to access Teewah and Rainbow Beach, as well as tradies and staff that work on North Shore.
“It’s time Noosa council stopped burying their head in the sand and started acting on the numerous complaints made against Noosa North Shore ferries and their ridiculous ‘cash only’ policy.“
On Monday the petition reached 370 signatures out of the goal of 500 people.
The operator has a lease with council to operate the North Shore Ferry.
Council officers are in regular discussions to ensure all conditions are being adhered to and takes any allegations of poor customer service seriously.
Property Manager Clint Irwin said the current lease permits the ferry service to operate as a “cash only” business.
“However we acknowledge that provision of EFTPOS by the ferry service is an expectation of the community and in our discussions, the operator has committed to providing this service initially as a trial with a view to introducing it permanently as soon as possible,” he said.
