Fears Ulmarra to Southgate ferry service could close
The NSW government and a North Coast town look to be on a collision course after an announcement a ferry which cuts travel distances from 60 to 4km has “reached the end of its useful life”.
Grafton
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Fears the beloved Ulmarra car ferry could get the axe are growing following a recent announcement that the current vessel has “reached the end of its useful life”.
The Ulmarra Southgate ferry service has been in operation since the 1890s and it has connected the two villages – separated by the Clarence River – since long before motor vehicles were a regular mode of transport in the Clarence.
The ferry, capable of carrying up to six cars across the river, continues to be a vital free mode of transport.
It cuts a return trip between Southgate and Ulmarra from 60km to 4km and is used by people travelling to work as well as tourists, families and farmers.
But now, its future hangs in the balance.
It is understood the service costs approximately $800,000 a year to operate and it carries, on average, one car per trip, costing taxpayers $22 for each journey.
The ferry has also seen less use in recent years, with patronage dropping 46 per cent since the opening of Grafton’s Balun Bindarray Bridge in late 2019.
In a statement to The Daily Examiner, a Transport for NSW spokesman confirmed the current vessel, which has been in operation for more than 70 years, has reached the end of its useful life and cannot be used past June 10.
“The future of the service is under review following a significant decline in patronage, poor reliability due to siltation and the completion of a mandatory inspection to determine the vessel’s compliance with maritime rules,” he said.
“Repeated and ongoing siltation on the Southgate side of the river has had significant impact on the reliability of the current service, with the water often too shallow for the ferry to pass.”
It is understood it would cost roughly $4 million to design and construct a new vessel over a period of 12 to 18 months.
The possible closure looks set to place a group of residents on a collision course with the state government.
Clarence Valley councillor Steve Pickering has announced his support for the ferry service online.
“This is a vital piece of infrastructure that many families, farmers, tradies, workers and tourists rely upon daily,” Cr Pickering wrote.
“A petition is currently underway calling on the state government to maintain the Ulmarra Ferry service and guarantee its continued operation.”
An initial community meeting, set up to voice opposition to the idea, will also take place at Ulmarra’s Bailey Park on Monday, March 25.
Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson will join with members of the local community on Monday.
He has also put a question on notice to the NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison about the government’s intention regarding the ferry service.
“Shutting down our historic ferry service would have major consequences for Clarence Valley residents,” Mr Williamson said.
“It would turn a return trip between Southgate and Ulmarra from 4km to 60km. This extra mileage, time, and cost will be devastating for the many families and small business operators who use this service.”
He added community support will be key to ensuring the ferry’s future.
“The more support I can get from the local community, the better the chances of convincing the government not to make this cruel decision,” he said.
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