Manly ferries: Community campaign over plans to scrap iconic ferry

Northern beaches residents are escalating their fight against plans to scrap the iconic Manly ferry after Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the “world’s moving on” in reference to whether they would be maintained. The beaches’ deputy mayor has warned it will be “the death of Manly as a destination” if they are scrapped.

The Queenscliff departs Manly Cove. Picture: Bradley Hunter

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A campaign has been launched to save Manly’s iconic ferries after it was announced they would be replaced with three faster Emerald class vessels next year.

Transport for NSW confirmed three new Emerald Class series 2 vessels will be introduced into service on the F1 Manly route from next year, but could not confirm a start date.

NSW Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said while he was looking at the option of keeping one or two of the older Manly Freshwater class ferries for use in some capacity, he said the “world’s moving on” and they presented ongoing maintenance costs due to the age of the vessels which have been running since the 1980s.

Sydney's new ferry, the Emerald 6, formerly named Ferry Mcferry Face, docked in Balmain, Sydney, Australia, 03 December 2017.

Northern Beaches Council’s deputy mayor Candy Bingham said she would be leading a community campaign against the scrapping of the ferries, stating, “It will be the death of Manly as a destination”.

“It appears they’re talking about getting rid of the big ferries which had the capacity for 1100, to these little peddley things which can only take 400, it’s an enormous difference,” Cr Bingham said.

“I don’t see how it’s going to work. It’s going to have a huge impact on Manly’s economy and on tourism. How in earth will the Emerald class vessels work in peak hours?

“Its also about the history and heritage. It’s a 20 minute journey instead of a 30 minute journey so the whole iconic experience will be gone. You’re on a beautiful old boat and there’s that whole historic connection between Sydney and Manly.”

Northern beaches Council deputy mayor Candy Bingham if furious about the replacement of the Manly Freshwater ferries. Picture: Damian Shaw

It comes as a petition is being shared on social media on platform Change.org, created by a northern beaches resident to “Save Australia’s Manly ferries”.

It has received 1,361 signatures to date, and was only launched two days.

Manly MP James Griffin said he would only support the move if it had the community’s support.

“Manly and its iconic ferry service to Circular Quay are one and the same. That won’t change while I’m the Member for Manly,” Mr Griffin said.

Minister for Transport Andrew Constance and Manly MP James Griffin at Manly Wharf for the announcement of a $205 million package to boost ferry transport. Picture: Julie Cross

“On my watch, there will continue to be a place for our iconic Freshwater-class ferries, servicing the world famous route between Manly and Circular Quay.

“I reiterate my comments to the ferry operator and Government that any changes will need to be embraced by my community and be a win both for commuters and the community. This includes a role for our iconic Freshwater-class ferries.”

Facebook comments on the Manly Daily’s original story about the announcement revealed opposing views on the matter.

The Manly ferry, Collaroy is part of the iconic fleet which is set to be culled by next year.

One reader Norma Moran said locals and tourists all want the ferries to continue as is, and that a new quicker, more agile vessel may not be able to do the job as well.

“Agile will not have the same appeal and will probably not cope with a large swell,” she wrote. “Let’s keep some iconic things!”

Meanwhile, Alex Brunswick said “the truth is shown in the patronage” and people just don’t use the slow ferries in enough numbers.

The community has created a petition against the replacement of the Manly Freshwater class ferries.

He wrote: “The Manly Ferry holds significant fond memories for me but it’s not 21st century best practice if you want to encourage public transport. One day someone will demand we bring back the red rattlers.

“Had this debate last year, people don’t want to use the old slow tubs so why keep em.”

While the Minister for Transport asked the department to look into the possibility of keeping one or two of the large ferries he said no decision has been made on whether it is viable.

“I have asked the department to explore what options there are to maintain at least one or two of them … given the love of the community towards the vessel.

“But the reality is that we are providing a community service and we need to provide the best vessel possible to get people from places like Manly to the city.”