KI ferry services to double, fares to drop for residents under new deal
A new deal inked on Wednesday will double daily ferry services between Kangaroo Island and the mainland – and island residents will save almost 80 per cent on fare prices.
SA News
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The number of daily ferry services between Kangaroo Island and the mainland will more than double under a new transport deal signed on Wednesday evening.
Meanwhile, the cost of fares will drop by almost 80 per cent for island residents by March next year.
Two new, larger, state-of-the-art vessels that reduce motion sickness and have improved drive-through capability will also be built and join the fleet within a few years.
The state government has awarded SeaLink a new contract to deliver KI ferry services until at least June 2039, with a further two five-year performance-based extension options.
SeaLink has provided ferry services to KI since 1989.
While the contract officially takes effect in 2024, clauses in it mean KI residents will start enjoying savings within months.
From early March, a standard adult fare for KI residents will fall from $31 to $6.60 and the standard vehicle fare for residents will drop from $98 to $65. Concession prices for residents will reduce from $16 to $5.10. Discounts for students and children will also apply.
Freight costs will drop from $79 to $25 from mid-2024.
The number of daily services will increase from at least five to at least seven from March next year, while this number will rise again from July 1, 2024, when at least 11 services a day will be offered.
SeaLink will also design and build two new 59.7m-long diesel-fuelled catamaran vessels in the next few years. It will also upgrade the wharf and harbour infrastructure to cater for the new ferries.
Chief executive of SeaLink’s parent company Kelsian Group, Clint Feuerherdt, said SeaLink would drive new investment and visits to SA.
“The additional capacity and confidence we have in continuing to build visitation is the key to being able to offer cheaper fares to residents on this route,” he said.
Transport Minister Corey Wingard described the new contract as “a big win for Kangaroo Island and all South Australians”.
“This new contract with SeaLink is fantastic news for tourism, local business and for residents on Kangaroo Island, with more services, cheaper fares for residents, cheaper freight and new larger capacity vessels making the island an even more desirable destination,” he said.
Premier Steven Marshall said: “We have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with tourism and hospitality operators during the pandemic and we are focused on ensuring the sectors are ready to take full advantage of our strong position as we emerge from the Covid shadow”.
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