Kangaroo Island ferry service to go out to tender
THE operation of Kangaroo Island’s ferry service could change hands for the first time in more than 30 years after the State Government announced it was putting the contract out to tender.
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THE operation of Kangaroo Island’s ferry service could change hands for the first time in 35 years after the State Government announced it was putting the contract out to tender.
Sealink has run the ferry service from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw under a licence agreement with the State Government for the past 29 years.
Its existing 25-year licence will expire in July 2024.
Transport Minister Stephan Knoll confirmed on Wednesday that the Government would put the service out to tender.
“The State Government has taken the decision to go out to the market through a competitive tender process for the provision of ferry services to Kangaroo Island,” he said.
“In doing so, we want to ensure that we get the best deal for the people of South Australia, particularly the locals who use the service so frequently.
“Kangaroo Island is one of the jewels in the crown of South Australia’s tourism industry and we want to ensure we have the best service possible for tourists and locals to get on and off the island.”
Mr Knoll acknowledged Sealink, which employs 370 staff in South Australia, provided a “valuable service to the island, local community and tourists alike”.
Sealink chief executive and managing director Jeff Ellison told The Advertiser his company had been in discussions with the Government about a possible contract extension since 2015.
“We’re pleased there is a clear process to go forward,” he said.
“It’s something that the Government is doing with buses and trains so we understand the process.”
Mr Ellison said Sealink was looking forward to lodging a tender.
“We hope the tender process won’t be delayed (and) that we’ll see that happening sooner than later,” he said.
“We have plans on the drawing board for (two) more vessels, larger and faster.”
Mr Ellison said the two proposed upgraded vessels would replace the existing ferries but those plans would move forward unless the company was awarded the contract.
Mr Ellison said he believed Sealink had provided an “excellent service” to the island over the past 29 years.
“There’s no criticism from the State Government in regard to our operation (and) we believe we are doing a very good job,” he said.
“I think we can provide the best service for Kangaroo Island.”