New and upgraded Bruny Island ferry facilities finally delivered, improved efficiency promised

The project cost twice as much as originally intended but the long-delayed upgrade to the Bruny Island ferry service facilities has finally been delivered.

Cars being loaded onto the Bruny Island Ferry during the busy school holiday period. Picture: Linda Higginson

Long-delayed upgrades to loading facilities for the Bruny Island ferry have finally been completed, with the state government promising the new and improved infrastructure will help keep queues moving over the busy summer holiday season.

Delivered three-and-a-half years later than originally anticipated, the dual ramps at Kettering and Roberts Point, as well as a gantry and associated mechanical and electrical components, were first costed at $7.5m but ended up costing $15.3m.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said earlier this year that delays were attributed to “increased lead time and delivery” of specialised hoist equipment from overseas, while additional design work was also needed and issues with new water gantries were encountered.

Bruny Island ferry leaving Roberts Point. Picture: Tourism Tasmania

The cost estimate was reached prior to the Covid pandemic and the government said the price of materials and labour had since shot up.

Transport Minister Eric Abetz said the new facilities had come online on Hobart Show Day and “immediately showed a significant improvement in the loading process and streamlined operations”.

“The value of the new ferry berths will be most evident during the Christmas-New Year break when Bruny Island becomes a hot destination for holiday-makers,” he said.

Transport Minister Eric Abetz with SeaLink general manager Simon Tamlyn. Picture: Supplied

“In addition to the ramps, we have taken feedback from community and local businesses on board in cancelling delivery of a booking system for the Bruny Island ferry, to ensure maximum flexibility for users.”

Simon Tamlyn, the general manager of SeaLink Tasmania, which is contracted to operate the ferry service, said the new infrastructure had led to a “significant improvement in efficiency”.

“By streamlining vehicle loading and unloading, we’re able to facilitate quicker crossings, helping residents, businesses and visitors travel to and from Bruny Island with greater ease,” he said.

Originally published as New and upgraded Bruny Island ferry facilities finally delivered, improved efficiency promised