Holdfast Bay Council, SeaLink and State Government discuss Glenelg to Kangaroo Island ferry plan
The push to establish a direct ferry from Glenelg to Kangaroo Island, making it easier for tourists to support the fire-ravaged region, is gathering momentum following a meeting between three key stakeholders.
West & Beaches
Don't miss out on the headlines from West & Beaches. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- SA Bushfire Support page: Let’s help KI rebuild
- Subscriber rewards: Win Adelaide Oval Stadium Club memberships
A direct boat from Glenelg to Kingscote on fire-ravaged Kangaroo Island could be set up this year, according to ferry operator SeaLink.
Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson on Tuesday held a meeting with SeaLink, State Government representatives and property developers Con Makris and Caj Amadio to discuss a direct ferry to the island’s biggest town to help boost tourism after devastating bushfires.
Their aim was to work towards a three-month trial of the service.
SeaLink has a 30m catamaran, currently based in Queensland, that could be used for the service and would be available within weeks.
SeaLink general manager of business growth and innovation Paul Victory said he expected a trial of the new service, also calling at the Yorke Peninsula, to begin later in the year, though time frames were still being worked out.
“The economy of Kangaroo Island is going to need as much support that the tourism industry can provide at the moment,” Mr Victory said.
“The SA Tourism Commission campaign is a wonderful first, important, initiative to try and get people to Kangaroo Island.”
However, Mr Victory said it was important to make the island more accessible through new markets.
“This is really about trying to open up direct passenger transport into Kingscote out of a major transport hub in Glenelg,” he said.
“It's a key economic driver for the future of the island. Definitely there was a commitment (at the meeting) that we wanted to support bushfire-affected communities.”
Speaking after the meeting, Mrs Wilson said she was “hopeful of a positive outcome”.
“I approached Michael Pengilly … and he’s very supportive of a ferry going from Glenelg to Kangaroo Island so we’re trying to work out a way that can happen and go quickly,” Mrs Wilson said.
“Hopefully there can be some real economic benefits to Kangaroo Island in the short and long term.”
Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said the State Government had established a reference committee to investigate a direct ferry from Glenelg.
It included the chief executives of the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, Department for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the South Australian Tourism Commission and Holdfast Bay Council.
READ MORE
Holdfast Bay Council backs calls for ferry from Glenelg
#BookThemOut push to help tourism recovery
One KI family – four houses razed to the ground
Jetty Road Mainstreet Committee chairman Con Maios was also in the group.
“The Marshall Government will be investigating the viability of such a service which will include assessing the infrastructure requirements,” Mr Knoll said.
“We will leave no stone unturned as we consider all options to help get Kangaroo Island back on its feet, grow the tourism sector and create more jobs.”
The committee is part of a feasibility study into redeveloping Glenelg Jetty.
