Parks Victoria kicks out Williamstown ferry operator from Southgate berth

A ferry operator that’s been running services on the Yarra River for decades, and says it has the only wheelchair-accessible boat on the river, has been sent packing by the government.

The company’s last trip from the berth was today. Picture: David Caird

A ferry operator that’s been providing services on the Yarra River for more than 30 years has been dumped from a prime berth in the CBD.

Parks Victoria has given Bay and River Cruises its marching doors from the Southgate berth after awarding a new 10-year licence to its competitor.

The company has been providing popular services between Southgate and Williamstown since 1996, and has operated on the Yarra since 1984.

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Williamstown Bay and River Cruises operator Mark Davy is upset with Parks Victoria. Picture: David Caird

Its last trip from the berth was today, but director Mark Davy said he wanted a review of the shock decision and claimed the berths would operate under a monopoly.

“I would have thought that the years we’ve put in here, starting something from scratch and building it up, we would be recognised,” he said.

Mr Davy said his Yarra Shuttle 1 vessel was the only wheelchair-accessible boat on the river, and he was planning to acquire a $1.2 million replica under a new licence.

“We were even consulted on the design of the new floating landings and ramps at Southgate,” he said.

“What a joke - the perfect boats for the elderly and disabled won’t be there if they get their way.”

Southbank is a popular spot for tourists and ferries. Picture: David Caird

Mr Davy said his ferries could use a “stop-and-go” berth further downstream, but there was no ticket box there and it would be impractical.

“The powers-that-be in their city offices don’t come down here, they don’t live and breathe tourism as our crew do on our boats,” he said.

Hundreds of signatures protesting Parks Victoria’s decision have been collected, and even a rival, Rob Horner, director of Westgate Punt, said it was a “great disservice” to Melbourne.

Bay and River Cruises was unable to secure any of the 11 berths offered in an expression-of-interest process.

Parks Victoria chief operating officer Simon Talbot said the Yarra River was an icon, and one of the city’s most important tourist attractions.

“We have a responsibility to make sure the experiences on offer reflect the current environment and market,” he said.

“Parks Victoria’s competitive allocation process is transparent, equitable and fair.

Claims of a monopoly are inaccurate, the final allocation at Southgate will see a diversified mix of companies and experiences that meet visitor demand.”

Parks Victoria spent $2 million on four new floating landings and ticket booths at Southgate Wharf in 2018.

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@JMasanauskas