No time frame on River Derwent ferries though Minister remains keen

The Infrastructure Minister backs a cross-Derwent ferry service but is coy about when it will begin operating.

THE State Government remains committed to introducing a Hobart to Bellerive ferry service — but can’t say when it will be operating.

A consultant’s report on the shape the service might take was delivered a year ago, but there has been no news of progress since.

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An artist’s impression of a Metro ferry is as close to reality as the cross-Derwent service has come.

Government businesses scrutiny committees heard the Government had missed its own deadline of September to begin planning of the infrastructure to support the service.

Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson said the River Derwent ferry plan was being considered by a working group including representatives from the Department of State Growth and Metro Tasmania.

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“As I have said we are committed to implementing and delivering the service as we have stated. We’re waiting for advice,” he said.

“We look forward to sharing more with the community and the parliament when we receive this advice.”

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Mr Ferguson did not reveal a time frame for the working group the report, nor did he directly answer questions about whether ferries might begin operating during this term of government.

Labor transport spokeswoman Anita Dow said the Government’s two flagship public transport initiatives had stalled.

“A regular and reliable cross river ferry service and an underground bus mall in Hobart are unlikely to ever be servicing Tasmanians under the Hodgman Government’s watch,” Ms Dow said.

“Hundreds of thousands of dollars has been spent on consultants and yet today Michael Ferguson was still unable to provide any detail about when these projects would be completed.”

Mr Ferguson later told the committee that planning had started for improved cycling facilities, park and ride and bus services for the potential ferry terminals.

He said the Government was keen to put “dignity and esteem” back into public transport.