Engineering firm Burbury Consulting recommends three sites for new Derwent Ferry terminals

The Derwent Ferry service is set to expand to Sandy Bay, Wilkinsons Point, and Lindisfarne, with an engineering firm recommending three specific sites for new terminals.

An engineering firm has recommended the three most suitable sites for new Derwent Ferry terminals. Picture: Richard Jupe

Engineers have identified three sites at Sandy Bay, Wilkinsons Point, and Lindisfarne where new terminals should be built to form an expanded Derwent Ferry network.

Local engineering firm Burbury Consulting was commissioned by the Hobart City Council to conduct preliminary analysis – including geological testing – of several potential terminal sites to determine their suitability.

The federal government has committed $20m towards the expansion of the Derwent Ferry service. This was matched by the Tasmanian Liberals in a state election pledge this year.

The Rockliff government established a commuter ferry service between Bellerive and Brooke Street Pier in 2021.

It has carried more than 200,000 passengers across the river to date and the Liberals hope an expansion of the service will help ease traffic congestion on Hobart’s roads.

An engineering firm has recommended the three most suitable sites for new Derwent Ferry terminals. Picture: Richard Jupe

It’s proposed that the Derwent Ferry will expand first to Sandy Bay, Wilkinsons Point, and Lindisfarne, before new terminals are investigated at Regatta Point, Geilston Bay, and Kingston Beach.

Burbury Consulting has released concept designs after assessing numerous possible sites for the first three additional terminals, grading them against criteria including navigable water depth, environmental exposure, parking, potential commuter catchment area, and proximity to education, recreational facilities, and amenities.

It found that the best Sandy Bay site was between Lords Beach (next to Wrest Point Casino) and Red Chapel Beach, which would require a fixed terminal. Other sites considered were the Scout Hall and rowing sheds at Marieville Esplanade, the Long Beach area at Lower Sandy Bay, and the existing Wrest Point ferry jetty.

An engineering firm has recommended the three most suitable sites for new Derwent Ferry terminals. Picture: Chris Kidd

At Wilkinsons Point, the Glenorchy Art and Sculpture Park (GASP) jetty was identified as the most suitable location for a new terminal.

Meanwhile, the Lindisfarne Sailing Club was deemed to be the best site at Lindisfarne for a floating terminal, ahead of the end of Natone St, the end of Lenna St or the old ferry jetty at Rose Bay, the Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania, and the old floating bridge abutment on the northern end of the Tasman Bridge.

The findings of the Burbury Consulting report will be considered at meetings of the Clarence City Council and Hobart City Council this month, with public consultation expected to be undertaken regarding terminal designs and locations later this year.

Lord Mayor of Hobart Anna Reynolds. Picture: Linda Higginson

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said it was “exciting” to see the expansion of the ferry service take a further step forward.

“An expanded ferry network will deliver broad economic and social benefits – both in the immediate term through direct job opportunities and in the long-term through infrastructure improvements, enhanced productivity and improved social connectivity,” she said.

Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said a new terminal at Lindisfarne would complement the Rockliff government’s plan to redevelop the existing terminal at Bellerive and provide “better amenities for Clarence residents and increasing connection between the Eastern Shore and the rest of Hobart”.

Transport Minister Eric Abetz said it was “exciting” that more Hobartians would have the opportunity to catch the ferry.

“The hope is more people will jump on-board and endorse our initiative to help further ease congestion on our roads, and provide people with an alternative commute,” he said.

Originally published as Engineering firm Burbury Consulting recommends three sites for new Derwent Ferry terminals