Hobart City Council approves Lords Beach as site for Sandy Bay Derwent Ferry terminal

A beach off Sandy Bay Rd has been approved as the site of a new Derwent Ferry terminal after the majority of Hobart councillors voted to forge ahead with the plan, despite some local opposition.

Concept design of Derwent Ferry coming in to dock at the proposed new terminal site at Lords Beach, Sandy Bay. Picture: Hobart City Council

A stretch of beach adjacent to Wrest Point has been endorsed by the Hobart City Council as the preferred site for a new ferry terminal, despite objections from local residents who say they have been kept in the dark about the proposal.

As part of a planned expansion of the state government’s Derwent Ferry service, which launched in 2021 and currently runs between Brooke St and Bellerive piers, six new terminals will be built across Greater Hobart, including at Sandy Bay.

The council had originally hoped to use Wrest Point as the base for ferry infrastructure but the owner of the site, Federal Group, opposed the idea.

Aerial concept view of proposed new Derwent Ferry terminal site at Lords Beach, Sandy Bay. Picture: Hobart City Council

The alternative preferred site is Lords Beach, situated between two private jetties off Sandy Bay Rd.

Burbury Consulting, engaged by the council, produced a report evaluating four potential terminal locations in the suburb, with Lords Beach rated the most appropriate site.

However, a number of people living nearby have voiced reservations about the plan.

At the council meeting on Monday evening, seven of the 12 elected members voted to approve Lords Beach as the terminal site, subject to engagement with nearby property owners and the issuing of a planning permit.

But local residents, such as Michael Fletcher, expressed concerns regarding the proposal.

Mr Fletcher said he had communicated with “30-40 households” on Waimea Ave and concluded there had been “no consultation”.

“I would ask how can a recommendation be made to council tonight without the ultimate consideration of the constituents of that area beyond those just on the water?” he said.

Other sites that were considered for the Sandy Bay terminal included the Scout Hall and rowing sheds off Marieville Esplanade and Seagrass Cafe at Long Beach.

According to Burbury Consulting, the benefits of the Lords Beach location included its large commuter catchment area, with about 750 dwellings within a 1km radius, and close proximity to schools and the University of Tasmania campus.

Hobart councillor Ryan Posselt. Picture Chris Kidd

However, one drawback was the requirement of a longer jetty structure built to a suitable depth due to shallow water.

The Rockliff government has pledged $40m to both upgrade facilities at Bellerive and operate the Derwent Ferry service into the future, while federal Labor has promised $20m for the expansion project.

A condition of the funding agreement is that the state government and Greater Hobart councils ensure the first three new terminals at Sandy Bay, Wilkinsons Point, and Lindisfarne are completed by June 30, 2026.

Councillor Ryan Posselt acknowledged that change could be “really difficult” but said the Sandy Bay terminal would be an “amazing facility” for people living in the area.

“Can you imagine being able to walk out your door, and jump straight on the boat into town like that?” he said.

“Some of the most expensive, sought after residences in other cities are really, really close to ferry services.”

Hobart councillor Louise Elliot. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Councillor Louise Elliot unsuccessfully moved a motion to defer a vote on whether or not the council should endorse Lords Beach as the preferred site, saying she wanted to see further public consultation occur first.

“People are sick to death of engagement boxes being ticked and engagement not being genuine,” she said.