Bellerive Derwent Ferry terminal to be upgraded after unanimous Clarence City Council vote
The Clarence City Council has unanimously voted to approve a proposal by the state government to upgrade a Hobart ferry terminal. See the designs.
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The redevelopment of the ferry terminal at Bellerive Pier is set to go ahead as part of an expansion of the successful public transport service on the River Derwent.
The Derwent Ferry began operating between the Bellerive wharf and Brooke St Pier in 2021 and the state government is planning to build new terminals along the river, including at Sandy Bay, Wilkinsons Point, and Lindisfarne.
The Department of State Growth lodged plans with the Clarence City Council to upgrade the existing facilities at Bellerive in order to improve the passenger experience and encourage more people to use public and active transport.
The revamped terminal will be an all-weather facility and comprise a new pier, foreshore wharf, walkway ramp, and a sheltered floating pontoon for boarding and waiting.
There will also be bicycle parking and storage facilities, while the current wharf will be removed in order to make way for the new pier.
The 22.5m-long floating pontoon will be located 17m off the current wharf and feature a 7.5m-wide roof.
“The design of the ferry terminal facilitates the potential for two vessels to be berthed either side of the pontoon should the demand for the ferry service increase and to cater for occasional events within Hobart and Clarence,” a council planning report said.
At a Clarence City Council meeting on Monday night, elected members unanimously voted to approve the proposal.
Mayor Brendan Blomeley said the public had shown strong support for the Derwent Ferry service.
“There ought to be numerous ferries plying our majestic River Derwent and it is pleasing to see the state government step up and deliver this important upgrade to the supporting infrastructure at Bellerive,” he said.
Councillor Tony Mulder said carparking near the terminal should be “discouraged, not encouraged”.
“The idea of these ferry terminals from the very outset was for pedestrians, cyclists … and personal mobility vehicle … access,” he said.
“The ferries are not a solution to the congestion on the Tasman Bridge. They are just a more effective way of public transport getting across the river.”
The council placed a number of conditions on the planning permit for the terminal upgrade, including requirements for construction and environmental management plans.
A clearance dive to determine the potential impact of piling works on the endangered red handfish will also need to be undertaken prior to construction.
Two public representations received by the council in relation to the application raised the security of bike parking as an issue.
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Originally published as Bellerive Derwent Ferry terminal to be upgraded after unanimous Clarence City Council vote
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