I’ll deliver the Derwent ferries, vows Infrastructure Minister Jeremy Rockliff

The Infrastructure Minister has admitted the promised Derwent ferry service would cost more than the budgeted amount but he “absolutely” expected ferries to be traversing the river in this term of Government.

INFRASTRUCTURE Minister Jeremy Rockliff says the State Government is prepared to budget whatever it takes to deliver an all-day, seven-day-a-week ferry service between Hobart and Bellerive.

Mr Rockliff said it was clear the service the Government had promised would cost more than the budgeted amount but it would wait until a working group developed a project plan to adequately fund it.

In an exclusive interview with the Mercury, Mr Rockliff said they “absolutely” expected ferries to be traversing the River Derwent in the current term of Government.

He said the service was a very important transport project along with integrated ticketing, which was a “huge opportunity”.

RIVER DERWENT FERRY FUNDING REMAINS THE SAME

REPORT SAYS DERWENT FERRY FUNDING MUST RISE

$2 MILLION FOR STUDY INTO DERWENT FERRY SERVICE

The Government did not increase spending to establish the ferry route in last month’s Budget despite a study commissioned by Metro revealing the current annual allocation of $500,000 would only be enough to deliver a weekday peak-hour service.

The Government has promised to deliver a comprehensive seven-day-a-week service supported by investments in park-and-ride facilities and with linkages to bus services, cycleways and walking paths.

“Obviously, we’ll need to have more funding to support a comprehensive seven-day-a-week service,” Mr Rockliff said.

“I see absolutely no reason why we would embark on such a commitment and not do it properly, thoroughly, well thought through and appropriately funded so it works as reliable public transport.

“I would like to see a couple that live in Sorell be able to catch a bus to the ferry terminal, catch the ferry and another bus if that’s what’s required to work in the city.”

Infrastructure Minister Jeremy Rockliff, with Metro Tasmania chief executive Megan Morse. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

The Metro report found any ferry service was likely to have a limited effect on traffic on the Tasman Bridge, but Mr Rockliff said he didn’t accept it wouldn’t have a positive impact.

He said he expected the public to embrace the ferry once it was on the water.

“This is what the community want and it’s no good doing a half-baked job – we’ve got to get this right,” Mr Rockliff said.

“The extent of the positive impact is dependent on how many people have confidence and utilise the service of the ferry. It’s a wonderful opportunity for Hobart, we’re a waterfront city and it just makes sense to utilise the water … as another mode of transport.

“We do know that if we have a crash on the bridge and traffic stops then there are no other options. If we can achieve a modal shift from cars to public transport through a good integrated ticketing and ferry service it will go a long way to reducing traffic congestion whether it's school holidays or not.”

When quizzed on his thoughts on a ferry network on the Derwent, a proposal put forward by Incat chairman Robert Clifford, Mr Rockliff said it was crucial to get the Bellerive to Sullivans Cove service right first.

He said he hoped to receive the working group’s recommendations in spring and accept proposals for the service later in the year.