The strike, called by the union representing ferry workers, will see no ferries operating on the Brisbane River for the entire day. Services affected include the CityCat high-speed catamarans, the smaller KittyKats, and the cross-river ferries that connect key points such as North Quay, South Bank and Kangaroo Point.

The union has not yet publicly detailed the specific reasons for the walkout, but sources suggest the dispute centres on pay, working conditions or rostering changes. The last major ferry strike in Brisbane occurred in 2023, when workers walked off the job for three days over a similar wage dispute.

TransLink, the state government agency that coordinates public transport, and RiverCity Ferries, the private operator of the network, have been notified of the industrial action. In a brief statement, a TransLink spokesperson said they were "aware of the proposed strike and are working to minimise disruption", adding that alternative transport options, including bus and train services, will be available but may not cover all ferry routes.

Commuters are being urged to plan alternative travel for Friday, particularly those who rely on the ferry to cross the river or travel between suburbs like New Farm, West End and the CBD. The strike is also expected to impact tourism, with the CityCat being a popular attraction for visitors.

The union has indicated it is open to further negotiations to avoid the strike, but no meetings have been scheduled as of Thursday evening. The operator has not yet commented on contingency plans.

This strike comes amid a broader push by public transport unions across Australia for better pay and conditions, following recent strikes on Sydney trains and Melbourne trams. However, Brisbane's ferry network is uniquely exposed because it serves areas with limited road alternatives.

Both sides have been urged by state transport minister Mark Bailey to return to the bargaining table. "We want a fair deal for workers and reliable services for passengers," Bailey said in a statement. "I encourage both parties to resolve this quickly."