Ulmarra Ferry makes final crossing amid community outrage to keep it operational

Community members and ferry patrons from as far as Brisbane have rallied for their final trip aboard the beloved Ulmarra ferry, with claims the funds will be funneled to fund a Sydney barge.

A North Coast community has come out in droves to farewell their beloved ferry as it makes its final voyage in the state’s north.

The service, which has been in operation since the 1890s, connects the two villages of Ulmarra and Southgate, each separated by the picturesque Clarence River in Grafton.

A local man has ridden the ferry for 70 years. Today is hard for him. Picture: Eleanor Spence

Rows of cars lined up at the Ulmarra on ramp this morning for last rides and residents to say farewell to the beloved piece of the township’s history.

“Rest in Peace Ulmarra Ferry. Another part of my childhood gone along with the Ulmarra pool” one woman posted on social media.

Other local Ulmarra and surrounding residents asked what the state government would take next.

The closure of the Ulmarra Ferry drew last riders from as far as Kingscliff and Brisbane.

“This closure is so sad and devastating, another piece of our history gone thanks to our non caring, ruthless government,” A South Grafton resident wrote.

Rows of cars from as far away as Brisbane made the trip to ride the Ulmarra Ferry one last time before it will be decommissioned.

Federal MP for Page Kevin Hogan called out the state government saying “shame on the labour government for shutting down our ferry service”.

He said Labor did not understand regional communities.

“For over 120 years this has been an vital route for locals and visitors – it is a sad day today.

“Thank you to everyone who signed Richie Williamson MP petition to keep it open – the government, unfortunately didn’t listen,” Mr Hogan said.

The final voyage of Ulmarra to Southgate Ferry has brought sadness over local communities who now must face an extended drive after their beloved ferry is decommissioned.

Local Narelle Locock said it was “sad for rural communities to lose this vital link across the river, especially when moving tractors and equipment between properties”.

Clarence MP Richie Williamson said it was “a sad day for the Ulmarra-Southgate Ferry users and community today”.

“Despite over 6000 signatures on my petition calling for the NSW Labor Government to keep the service running, the Government decided to axe the service, and today is the day,” Mr Williamson said.

“What hurts just as much is the government has announced they will be taking over the running and operation of a car ferry in Sydney; it does feel like our service is being axed to fund Sydney.

“Thank you to the community at the river this morning for one last trip.”

One last trip. Clarence MP Richie Williamson joins locals for the final voyage of the Ulmarra to Southgate ferry, which is being decommissioned by the state government.

The closure comes after protests from locals and the decision to cease all operation of the ferry from Transport NSW in May.

The department citied “reduced patronage, poor service reliability, vessel age” and the “availability of alternate routes” as reasons to cease the service.

They further said the ferry “has served the community well” but “improved alternate transport networks have been completed in recent years”, which were “safer” and “more reliable”.

The final voyage of Ulmarra to Southgate Ferry has brought sadness over local communities who now must face an extended drive after their beloved ferry is decommissioned. Picture: Cody Pepper

“It’s very sad for me, so many fond memories,” local Dennis Blake said.

“It’s not just all the different vehicles I’ve had over the years sitting on the ferry but that wonderful feeling of just slowly coasting across our majestic River.

“To hear that they are using that money to fund a ferry across the Hawksberry River in which less people use it, fires me up. Some rich government employee probably lives in that neck of the woods.”

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