Sydney ferries: New service for Sydney and multiple wharf upgrades to create 1300 jobs
A new ferry service for Sydney and multiple wharf upgrades, as well as improvements to infrastructure in the regions, will see the creation of 1300 jobs across the state.
Manly
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A new ferry service running across Botany Bay and multiple wharf upgrades are set to be rolled out across the state to boost jobs and the economy, it was announced on Thursday.
The $205 million investment, which will also include regional dredging and maritime property improvements, will create nearly 1300 jobs.
Around 470 of those jobs will be in the regions.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance made the announcement at Manly, which will get $25 million to replace Wharf 3, which services Captain Cruise and Fast Ferry routes, allowing better access for the disabled and parents with prams.
The ferry wharves at Double Bay, Darling Point and Greenwich Point are among those being made safer.
“I can’t recall an announcement this large for maritime infrastructure for NSW from the regions to the harbour,” Mr Constance said.
He said one of the most exciting projects was a new ferry service from La Perouse to Kurnell, where Captain Cook first landed and which he said was regarded as “the birthplace of the nation”.
Around $16m of the funds will help fund construction of the Kamay ferry wharves, planned to connect La Perouse and Kurnell, which is home to a national park.
Mr Constance said work will begin on the new ferry route infrastructure in the next 12 months and within the next two to three years it should be up and running.
In the regions there will be dredging projects and improvements to boat ramps.
He said “everyone was going to benefit”, and it “couldn’t come at a better time in terms of COVID and trying to drive jobs.”
“This is our way to stimulate great outcomes for the community, but at the same time, you know jobs, jobs and more jobs,” he said.
However, Mr Constance said while the government was investing heavily in the ferry network, He warned people not to become complacent and to wear masks while using the services.
“I am worried about COVID risk across the network,” he said.
“We can’t lose the discipline and focus.
“Everyone needs to continue to put the masks on.”
He said staff will continue to monitor the harbour wharves throughout summer to ensure people are social distancing, with the expected increase in numbers.
He appealed for passengers to be patient and if they see a large crowd to walk away, as that was the safest thing to do.
He also spoke about the decommissioning of Manly’s iconic Freshwater class ferries and replacing them with the smaller and faster Emerald class boats.
Mr Constance said he was aware that it was a sensitive issue for Sydneysiders, especially residents on the northern beaches, who were fond of the large ferries, and they were investigating whether to keep one or two.