Bass Strait ferries

The Tasmanian Greens today flushed out new information from the Infrastructure Minister David O’Byrne concerning progress on discussions around the replacement of the Spirit of Tasmania ferries.

In Question Time today, Greens Infrastructure spokesperson Tim Morris MP sought an update from the Minister on plans to replace the ferries.

“The Minister has confirmed that he has brought an options paper to Cabinet dealing with the replacement of the TT Line ferries,” Mr Morris said.

“This will be an extremely important decision for a range of Tasmanian industries, particularly those that rely on tourism.”

“The community and the industry must be informed and allowed to have some input into this critical decision, given it will involve the expenditure of around half a billion dollars.”

“It’s a decision that will lock Tasmania into a mode of sea passenger transport until 2040 or beyond.”

“The Minister must conduct a thorough public consultation process regarding the ferry replacement, and not sit on the matter just to use it as a pre-election announcement.”
Tim Morris MP Greens Infrastructure Spokesperson