Plans to expand Hobart’s ferry network: Six new destinations proposed
Hobart’s ferry service could be expanded to serve six new locations under plans being developed by the state government. Where they could go.
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Hobart’s ferry service could be expanded to serve six new locations under plans being developed by the state government.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson on Monday released the draft River Derwent Ferry Service Masterplan for public consultation.
It has considered 33 potential sites for expanding on the current Bellerive to Hobart service and has settled on Lindisfarne, Howrah, Wilkinsons Point, Sandy Bay, Regatta Point, and Kingston Beach.
“The proposal is based around an expansion of ferry services to be based initially on easing congestion between Hobart’s eastern and western shores, before building connectivity along the river,” he said.
“This is public transport at its best, the great success of the connection between our side of Hobart, and we’re looking forward to expanding that public service network on the fantastic river.
“I look forward to the consultation, invite feedback from the public over the course of the next eight weeks so we can continue to invest in public transport and import particularly are the magnificent Derwent River.”
The master plan proposes a combination of direct and “stitched” services where a ferry stops at multiple wharves on the way to its final destination, generally during off peak periods.
“Direct routes from the Eastern Shore may be first, as they could be quicker by ferry than car, helping ease congestion. Next may be longer and connecting routes such as linking in Wilkinsons Point, Regatta Point, Sandy Bay, and Kingston Beach,” the plan notes.
Proposed services to the Wrest Point Casino, Regatta Point and Wilkinsons Point would be more heavily focused transporting passengers to events, it says.
The federal government committed $20m to expanding ferry infrastructure at the 2021 election and the plan will be developed in consultation with local councils.
Mr Ferguson said the Bellerive to Hobart service had drawn a favourable response from commuters.
“In two years, we’ve seen a quarter of a million passengers using that incredible service.
“It’s something we’re very grateful for as well, because we’ve worked in a way to take congestion pressures away from the Tasman Bridge, and it’s with that same intention that we go forward.
“As we developed this master plan, which we really want to hear from the public about, we applied 18 criteria, and we looked for the best way to make sensible decisions about what expanded ferry service will make the biggest difference to our local community here in greater Hobart.
“And congestion was one of the top criteria to make sure that we are providing a public transport outcome that takes pressure off the road based network.”
The mayors of Hobart, Clarence, Kingborough and Glenorchy welcomed the announcement.
“We welcome the release of the River Derwent Ferry Service Draft Masterplan and look forward to working with our federal and state government partners to expand the ferry network,” they said in a joint statement.
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