Government hails ferry milestone as expansion plans take shape
On the day the popular cross-Derwent ferry service reaches a major milestone, the state government says it’s looking into ways to expand the service to combat road congestion. The latest.
Tasmania
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Hobart’s popular cross-Derwent ferry service has carried its 300,000th passenger as plans to add more services take shape.
The state government announced the milestone on Tuesday, noting that 500 people a day are now using the Bellerive to Hobart service daily.
Started as a trial in 2021, the ferry link was made permanent the following year.
Consultation on the draft River Derwent Ferry Masterplan to expand the service has attracted strong feedback, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, congratulated commuters on achieving this significant milestone.
“The current Derwent Ferry route continues to grow in popularity and is now averaging more than 500 passengers a day,” Mr Ferguson said.
“I am also thrilled that more than 600 pieces of feedback were received from the community in relation to the draft River Derwent Ferry Masterplan and we have received strong engagement from River Derwent stakeholders and industry.
“This shows there is a strong appetite to grow the ferry network, which will help ease traffic congestion and revitalise key locations along the River Derwent.
“Now consultation has closed, we will use this feedback to guide our decision making on future planning, including ongoing community engagement and development of a more detailed timeline of the preferred site for an expanded network.”
Mr Ferguson said the draft River Derwent Ferries Masterplan proposed new sites at Lindisfarne, Howrah, Wilkinsons Point, Sandy Bay, Regatta Point, and Kingston Beach.
“The Rockliff Liberal Government’s draft plan for future ferry services initially aims to ease congestion between Hobart’s eastern and western shores before building connectivity along the river,” he said.
For more information on the River Derwent Ferry Service Masterplan, please visit engage.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/river-derwent-ferry-service-masterplan-consultation
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