Plans for a new northern beaches ferry service linking Clontarf to the city
The northern beaches suburb of Clontarf could soon have its own commuter ferry service to the CBD — and it already has political backing and several interested operators.
Clontarf could soon have a commuter ferry service to the CBD with several private operators said to be interested in the route.
David Hudson, from the Clontarf Ferry Residents’ Action Group, has been leading the charge for the weekday ferry in a bid to end commuters’ hellish journey to the city along Military Rd.
Addressing councillors at this week’s Northern Beaches Council meeting he said several private operators had expressed an interest.
Manly State Liberal MP James Griffin and Mayor Michael Regan have also each thrown their support behind the plan.
“It is clear that residents want more time effective transport options and for those of us who travel south in the morning and north at night overwhelmingly the feeling is that we’d like to spend a whole lot less time on Military Rd,” Mr Hudson said.
He said he was not comfortable revealing which private operators he had spoken to but said “more than one provider is aware and potentially interested”.
A spokesman for the Manly Fast Ferry said the company was always keen to expand its operations and “open to looking” at new routes.
Mr Hudson also said he has written confirmation from the Minister for State Transport stating he would not stand in the way of a private operator.
“Transport for NSW is always interested to discuss ideas or proposals that have the potential to deliver greater travel options for our customers,” a department spokeswoman told the Daily.
“I think anyway we can encourage people to get on the ‘blue highways’ will ease congestion in other areas,” Mr Griffin MP said. “If this opportunity is there, it’s something that should be fully explored.”
Mr Regan said Mr Hudson was to be commended for his work on the project.
“The ferry could help take a few hundred of peak hour cars off local roads, the Spit Bridge and Military Rd and relieve some of the pressure on Manly Wharf and Wynyard at peak times too.
“This would be a win for local residents and broader commuters.”
On Tuesday council put out its Clontarf masterplan for public consultation. The proposal leaves space for a future public wharf.
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