MP James Griffin vows to fight to save Manly ferries
After it was revealed that the world-famous fleet of Manly ferries is set to be phased out, a politician has made it clear he will fight to ensure the iconic vessels continue to operate on the route.
James Griffin has vowed to fight to save the iconic Manly ferries after their future was thrown into doubt.
Harbour City Ferries (HCF), the operator of the route, told staff in a meeting that the Freshwater Class vessels — the Collaroy, Freshwater, Narrabeen and Queenscliff — would be “phased out” and replaced by the smaller but faster Emerald Class vessels.
HCF declined to comment yesterday while Transport for NSW said no decision had been made on their future.
But Mr Griffin said on his watch the Freshwater ferries would continue to operate.
“I go into bat for Manly and our community every day of the week,” he said. “Manly and its ferry service are one and the same. That won’t change whilst I’m the Member for Manly,” he said. “The Freshwater ferries will continue to service Manly on my watch.
“I’ve made very clear to the ferry operator that any changes will need to be embraced by the community and be a win for commuters and our community. This includes a place for our iconic Freshwater class boats.”
Transport for NSW has said the Emerald Class ferries will soon start operating on the route, which has led to concerns from staff, unions and Manly business leaders.
The smaller ferries carry about 400 people compared to the current 1100-plus. Tourists and commuters alike were dismayed at the idea of smaller ferries.
Julie Rigby, 48, of Brisbane was on her annual visit to Manly and said: “The big ferry is the equivalent of the London black cabs. It is an icon, especially for tourists. It wouldn’t be the same without them.”
A long-term route skipper, who wished to remain anonymous, said the Freshwater ferries have at least another 20 years in them. He said smaller ferries would only shave five minutes off the 30-minute trip.
“The Manly crew, middle management and 100 per cent of the wharf staff think it’s a bad decision,” he said.
Martin Byrne, from the Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers union, described the proposal as “pure folly”.
He feared the smaller vessels could not cross Sydney Heads in bad weather and also raised capacity concerns.
“It would take three Emerald Class ferries departing simultaneously to match the capacity of the Freshwater ferries but there isn’t space at the wharves. It’d be chaos.”
Luke Atkins, president of Manly Business Chamber, said the “must-do experience” ranked up there with catching the Staten Island Ferry in New York and the Star Ferry in Hong Kong.
“It would be an absolute tragedy for Manly and Sydney as a whole if the truly iconic ferries were phased out,” he said.
He welcomed Mr Griffin’s pledge but said there was concern that back in 2013 when Premier Gladys Berejiklian was Transport Minister she spoke of plans to replace the fleet.
Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan said while the Freshwater ferries should be retained for use for events and particularly busy summer periods he said it was “hard to argue” against smaller, faster vessels day to day.
“People have voted with their feet and the Manly Fast Ferry has been very successful,” he said.
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