Locals concerned about proposed ferry terminal at Lindisfarne
Two locations in Lindisfarne are up for consideration for a fast ferry terminal as part of the Derwent River Ferry expansion. Read why one location has locals concerned.
Tasmania
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Concerns over safety and collisions, vessel damage and shoreline degradation are among the issues with a proposed location for a ferry terminal in Lindisfarne, locals say.
Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania commodore Brian Edmonds said the club supported an expanded service but believe there are significant issues with the choice of Lindisfarne Sailing Club in Lindisfarne Bay.
“There’s a potential for disaster,” Mr Edmonds said.
He said the sailing club terminal location was too close to infrastructure and could interfere with other river users.
“The reality is that Lindisfarne Bay is one of the most popular and busiest spots on the Derwent River,” Mr Edmonds said.
“We’ve got about 140 vessels in our floating marina and there’s up to 200 vessels in the bay.
“It’s used by rowers, kayakers, dragon boaters – it’s simply a safety issue to have a fast ferry come in and slow down into the bay,” he said.
“It has the potential to cause close quarters situations, collisions or even capsize a low lying vessel through the wake and we would hate to see anyone hurt or injured because of this service.”
President of the Derwent Storms Dragon Boat Club Marianne Stevenson said the group’s concern was safety.
“We need to be concerned and wary of other boats around us, and of wakes,” she said.
“Our boats are very low to the water and we are trained to deal with that, but a fast ferry coming in would definitely impact on our ability to train.”
The location is being considered by the Clarence City Council, along with another proposed location at the end of Natone St in Lindisfarne, which the MYCT strongly supports.
“It (Natone St) has got good access. It’s safer. It’s faster. It’s simply a better location,” Mr Edmonds said.
He said the ferry would be a true fast service from Natone St, as regulations mean the ferry would have to slow down for longer coming into Lindisfarne Bay.
The wake from a fast ferry would also degrade the shallow shoreline on the western side of the bay and cause damage to boats that are docked, according to Lindisfarne RSL president Chris Parker. The Lindisfarne RSL joined with the MYCT in 2008.
As a vessel owner, Mr Parker said he was concerned about the wake’s impact on vessels in the marina as well with the current level of river traffic causing damage to boats.
At the June 17 Clarence City Council meeting council provided in-principle support for the terminal at or near the Lindisfarne Sailing Club site in Lindisfarne Bay, with an alternative, secondary site at the end of Natone St also supported should the LSC site ultimately not be viable.
Transport Minister Eric Abetz said the government was aware of varying community views.
He said the government would continue to work with the councils and the community on the proposed locations to deliver on the $20m commitment to extend the ferry service. The federal government also contributed $20m for the expansion.
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