Four Greater Hobart mayors join forces to demand $26m to expand Derwent ferry terminals
The pressure is building on the Tasmanian Government to stump up $26m in the budget for new ferry terminals on the River Derwent.
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The mayors of the four Greater Hobart councils want $26m from the Tasmanian Government to build new terminals to expand the River Derwent ferry service.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds, Glenorchy mayor Bec Thomas, Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley and Kingborough mayor Paula Wriedt have joined forces to argue for $20m to match a federal government commitment for ferry terminals at Howrah Point, Kingston Beach and Regatta Point and $6m to complete the redevelopment of the Bellerive terminal.
The federal funding is for new terminals at Lindisfarne, Sandy Bay and Wilkinsons Point and they say the $26m will support the ferry network expanded to other key strategic sites.
The mayors also want to work in partnership with the government on a plan to activate the network and secure a long term ferry service provider.
Ms Reynolds said the mayors strongly supported the transition to zero emission technology for the ferry service.
“While $26 million is a significant investment, 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.
Ms Thomas said the “biggest winners” would be local residents who would have more transport options on their daily commutes and see less traffic on major arterial roads.
“Given ongoing pressures on our roads and buses, growing the ferry network will improve the commuter experience for all Greater Hobart residents in a cost effective way,” she said.
“With the support of all three levels of government, expanding the River Derwent ferry service to additional locations will be a true game changer for Greater Hobart as we continue to receive the benefits of – and grapple with the challenges of – population growth.”
Mr Blomeley said: “The Tasmanian government now has an important role to play in supporting jobs and improving outcomes for Greater Hobart commuters by funding the remaining ferry terminals envisioned as part of the expanded network.”
Ms Wriedt said with the government’s commitment to expand and operate the ferry service at six locations “it is clear that further investment is required to make this vision a reality”.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson welcomed their submission as part of the state budget process and said it “builds on the enormous and positive reaction by the Hobart community to the Derwent Ferry trial”.
“Now consultation has closed, we will use this feedback to guide our decision making on future planning, including ongoing community engagement and development of a more detailed timeline of the preferred site for an expanded network,” Mr Ferguson said.
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Originally published as Four Greater Hobart mayors join forces to demand $26m to expand Derwent ferry terminals
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