A PROPOSED Gold Coast ferry service is its final capital-raising phase, following talks with shareholders.

Solar Coast Cats spokesman Barry Hilson, says the financial phase of the project should be completed by Easter, with a majority proportion of the capital expected to come from south-east Queensland investors.

"The service will create more than 60 jobs on the Gold Coast, will benefit local industry and enhance the Gold Coast as a tourist destination," says Mr Hilson.

"We believe we've selected the perfect style of boat for the Gold Coast waterways and our research tells us the experience in other cities is that proximity of a ferry service increases real estate values.

"Our aim is to get people out of their cars, have the service add to public transport options for the Gold Coast and improve the tourism infrastructure."

Solar Coast Cats is in negotiations with Marina Mirage Mariners Cove, Jupiter's Casino and Seaworld to include stops at these locations. The design and construction of the pontoons is planned to be completed later this year.

Solar Coast Cats will establish and operate the service privately while the Gold Coast City Council has facilitated the project with the provision of passenger landing pontoons.

Gold Coast mayor Ron Clarke recently spoke of council's support for the ferry service and the benefits it will deliver to the Gold Coast, including relieving the pressure on traffic congestion. 

The council will provide stops at Paradise Point, Aqua at Labrador, Australia Fair at Southport, Evandale and Appel Park in Surfers Paradise for exclusive use by Solar Coast Cats.

Mr Hilson says Solar Coast Cats ferries will initially travel between Paradise Point and Broadbeach, with a number of stops along the Broadwater. It is also planned to eventually extend to Hope Island, Sanctuary Cove and Coomera and to various locations up the Nerang River.

"We'll be running the first solar-hybrid ferry service in the world - the vessels will be low wash and low noise," he says.