Calls for new ferry wharf at Woolloomooloo

Residents and businesses are calling for a new ferry service to Woolloomooloo. It comes as millions of visitors are expected to flock to new Sydney Modern gallery.

Campaigners have identified a site near to the Boy Charlton Pool for a new ferry stop. Picture: Jane Dempster/AAP

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Residents and businesses are calling for a new ferry service to Woolloomooloo.

A campaign has been launched to push for a new ferry wharf near to Boy Charlton Pool to cater for those travelling to and from the suburb.

A public meeting is being held on Thursday at the Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel to discuss the proposal.

Among those who are backing the plans include the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Just last week the proposal for the Sydney Modern gallery, which will be built to the rear of the existing gallery, was approved.

Plans for the Sydney Modern were approved last week.

It is expected to be open in 2021 with an expected two million visitors each year.

John Gerathy, a resident of Lincoln Cres, is spearheading the campaign and called on the state government to listen to the community.

“At peak hour the people of Woolloomooloo are trapped,” he said. “The roads are full and it is only going to get worse.

“With Sydney Harbour you have an expanse of water that is basically an open highway. It would be perfect.

“Think how much the government is spending on projects like WestConnex. The cost of putting in a ferry stop here is going to be nothing in comparison.”

The nearest ferry stop to the west is Circular Quay Picture: AAP Image/Paul Braven

At present the nearest ferry stop to the west is Circular Quay and to the east Garden Island.

Mr Gerathy said the plan is support by dozens of businesses in the area.

“It will take cars off the roads and it will also be good from a tourism point of view,” he said.

“We’ve got the Royal Botanical Gardens here and with Sydney Modern getting the approval it is the perfect time to get moving on this.”

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As well as tourists, Mr Gerathy said it will be of huge benefit to residents who will be able to get to the city, Watsons Bay, Manly and even up to the ANZ and Olympic Park for events without spending hours clogging up the roads.

“It is a low cost, low pollution solution. It just makes perfect sense.”

Thursday’s meeting starts at 6pm at the Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel in Bourke St.