Council says Divers Den Investments is preferred Noosa ferry service

The Noosa Council has opted for an overseas operator for the iconic Noosa North Shore ferry service as the organisation hints at a raft of other changes for the vital link.

A ferry operator that has maintained a cash-only payment system for two decades is “not phased” by the Noosa Council naming a New Zealand business it would prefer at the helm.

A ferry operator that has maintained a cash-only payment system for two decades is “not fazed” by the Noosa Council naming a New Zealand business it would prefer at the helm.

The Noosa North Shore ferry service has long been a gateway to paradise for many headed to the Noosa North Shore from Tewantin.

Earlier in 2022, the council had called for tenders to operate the Noosa North Shore ferry service between Tewantin and Noosa North Shore.

It received five submissions for the contract, which were assessed by council staff and external experts.

“The assessment panel found Divers Den Investments’ alternate tender to pose the most significant benefits by way of a streamlined operation utilising new, larger vessels, contemporary payment systems and the group’s experience in marine operations and transport service delivery,” the report stated.

A New Zealand contractor has been named as the preferred Noosa North Shore ferry service in the latest council agenda. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“The report recommends council enters into a new agreement for the provision of the Noosa North Shore ferry service with Divers Den Investments Pty Ltd from July 1, 2024.”

A Noosa Council report also stated passenger fees may rise.

Divers Den Investments is part of the Entrada Travel Group, which is New Zealand’s largest passenger transport company.

Noosa North Shore Ferries. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The Entrada Travel Group would not comment until the council had concluded its process.

Noosa councillors will discuss the report at next week’s general committee meeting.

Noosa North Shore Ferries is the current operator and owner Cliff Andreassen, who also submitted a tender, said he looked forward to more time for fishing.

“I’m at the stage of retirement so it’s not fazing me at all,” he said.

Noosa North Shore Ferries operator Cliff Andreassen will make more time for fishing upon his retirement.

The Noosa North Shore resident said, at 75, he was overdue to hang up his hat after more than 23 years.

“Am I allowed to retire?” he said.

He said he still did not offer cashless payment methods.

Regular passenger and Noosa North Shore Beach campground worker Felisse Dela Cruze said she made sure she had her gold coins ready before travel.

Felisse Dela Cruze lives in Boreen Point and works at the Noosa North Shore campground so regularly uses the ferry. Photo: Patrick Woods.

“I think for me it’s been part of my daily routine, as a regular, but for the guests at the campground it’s part of their camping experience,” she said.

Ms Dela Cruze said she regularly worked with the ferry operators.

“It would be really sad to see them go because they are good guys and also exciting to see what the new ferry operators could bring to the table,” she said.

“I was also wondering if they have an EFTPOS machine?”

The council report also stated that fee increases “may be required” to ensure the service continued to avoid ratepayer subsidisation.

“Staff intend to proceed to a review of the ferry fees and provide recommendations back to council,” the report stated.

The last hike was in 2021 and fees for a car are $10 each way while “walking” passengers who return on the same day pay $1.

Originally published as Council says Divers Den Investments is preferred Noosa ferry service