KI peak bodies raise concerns about ‘unreliable’ ferry services to and from the Island

It’s not just for tourists – Kangaroo Island businesses need the ferry and locals need to get to the mainland. But there’s a problem, the island’s peak industry bodies say.

Kangaroo Island’s peak industry bodies have voiced “significant” concerns about the SeaLink ferry service and its lack of reliability, urging the company to guarantee consistency.

The Kangaroo Island Sea Transport roundtable, made up of the council and the island’s peak agriculture, business and tourism groups, said it had received complaints from community members about the ferries.

Mayor Michael Pengilly said the ferry was a lifeline for KI, and further concerns were raised over the age of the vessels, which are more than 20 years old.

“The lack of reliable ferry services and accessibility on and off the island is now a significant concern for businesses relying on freight, creating supply chain issues as well as for tourism operators who rely on forward bookings,” Mr Pengilly said.

“Council has received concerns from a number of community members from across the island about the reliability of the SeaLink service, above and beyond weather conditions.”

The roundtable group also raised concerns about the wellbeing of residents struggling to make medical appointments inland.

It is not known the exact number of non-weather-related breakdowns the ferries have had, but there are at least two.

After having had to deal with bushfires and the Covid-19 pandemic, Western KI Caravan Park owner Mark Jago said ferry cancellations affect the entire island.

“Probably the most important thing is the reputation of KI being a travel destination,” Mr Jago said.

“People just think it’s too difficult to travel and won’t take the risk to come over.”

Sealing ferry docked at Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

In early August, ferry services were cancelled due to problems unrelated to weather, and Mr Jago missed out on a booking of 30 people staying at his caravan park, which cost him about $4000.

The group rebooked but Mr Jago also missed out on the other bookings over that weekend.

He said he was not a “SeaLink basher” and most services over the years had been reliable but he hoped any possible improvements would be assessed.

“Any efforts to alleviate interruptions should be encouraged and followed,” he said.

Deputy chairman of KI’s Tourism Alliance Pierre Gregor said the industry was concerned about vessel reliability.

He urged SeaLink to guarantee a minimal service of five ferries a day in the tourism off-season, and seven services a day during peak visiting times.

Mr Pengilly said the roundtable was seeking greater consultation with SeaLink over any new contracts it enters.

A SeaLink spokesperson said the company had only been made aware of the roundtable meeting through media.

“After making inquires with the council chief executive, they have been advised that there will be written communication provided,” the spokesperson said.

“Once this is received, SeaLink will provide a response.”

They also confirmed the two ferries servicing KI will be replaced and in operation by 2024.