Oldest Manly Ferry, MV Freshwater, gets $7 million refurbishment
The oldest Manly Ferry in the fleet has sailed through the heads again after more than 4000 litres of new paint.
NSW
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THE oldest Manly Ferry in the fleet has sailed through the heads again after a $7 million refurbishment gave the MV Freshwater more than 4000 litres of new paint and over 7km of new cabling.
The makeover was required to keep the MV Freshwater running on the harbour for years to come, following a campaign by The Daily Telegraph to save the Freshwater Class Manly Ferry.
The boat returned to customer service today.
“In addition to the required essential maintenance, this makeover was all about giving this
majestic vessel, the oldest in the Freshwater fleet, a new lease of life,” Transport Minister Andrew Constance said.
Improved comfort and accessibility were also part of the makeover.
The MV Freshwater was saved in January following a campaign by The Daily Telegraph, Manly MP James Griffin, and locals who wanted the Freshwater Class ferry to stay on the harbour.
Mr Constance initially only saved one Freshwater Class ferry – the MV Collaroy – but after sustained pressure to keep a second vessel on the water announced in January that the MV Freshwater would also operate on weekends.
The $7m makeover included almost 60 CCTV cameras and 650 square metres of new ceiling panels.
There was 750 sqm of new flooring laid, equivalent to around three tennis courts.
Manly MP James Griffin said locals will welcome the MV Freshwater carrying passengers again.
“As a community, we’ve fought hard to show this Government that the Freshwater is an
important part of our lives so it’s great to see this work is now complete, and she can
resume her rightful place back out on the water where she belongs,” Mr Griffin said.
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Originally published as Oldest Manly Ferry, MV Freshwater, gets $7 million refurbishment