Council’s 16th City Cat launch showcases Indigenous art
01 July, 2010
Queensland’s indigenous heritage will be showcased when Brisbane’s 16th CityCat takes its maiden voyage on Thursday July 1.
The CityCat, named Gootcha, the Indigenous term for the place now known as Toowong, will be decorated with artwork by award-winning contemporary artist Judy Watson.
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman will co-launch the new vessel with Brisbane Elder Valda Coolwell.
Elder Uncle Joe Kirk will deliver a Welcome to Country.
Cr Newman said Gootcha’s launch would give Brisbane residents the opportunity to celebrate contemporary Indigenous art through one of Brisbane’s biggest icons.
“When I was elected Lord Mayor, only eight CityCats had been delivered, but since then I have delivered a further eight, with three more to come,” he said.
“Since the boosted delivery of CityCats, they have become a much-loved part of Brisbane’s great lifestyle.
“Through Gootcha, Brisbane residents and visitors can be reminded of the contribution Indigenous art has made in shaping the look and feel of this vibrant city.”
The featured artwork is Ms Watson’s pigment, pastel, ink and watercolour on canvas piece Shoal, chosen by a panel of selectors including staff from the Museum of Brisbane.
The design was chosen because of its artistic strength and merit and its potential to enliven the City Cat for both commuters and tourists.
Cr Newman said Gootcha would deliver a further eight services and 109 stops each weekday.
“Its launch will help CityCats achieve a service frequency of every 12 to 13 minutes during the morning peak for terminals upstream from the City,” Cr Newman said.
“Extra services during off-peak will also increase the frequency to 12 to 13 minute services, catering for customers wishing to use the ferry network throughout the day.”
More than 6.5 million passengers travelled on Brisbane’s ferry services in the 2009/10 financial year, with 5.2 million passengers travelling on CityCats alone.
Council will deliver three more CityCats by 2012, taking the total CityCat fleet to 19 vessels. Each new CityCat will carry up to 400,000 additional passengers per year.
Council has also committed to two new ferry terminals to cater for new vessels and increased frequency.
Gootcha is a third generation CityCat, which is more fuel efficient and emits fewer exhaust emissions, meaning a smaller carbon footprint which Council offsets fully.
