Lambie meets with Fox and talks about a Fast Cat Ferry service for Bass Strait

*Pic: Jacqui Lambie with Lindsay Fox …

Independent Senator for Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie has met with one of Australia’s leading businessmen Lindsay Fox in order to discuss the re-establishment of a Fast Cat Ferry service across Bass Strait.

Senator Lambie and Mr Fox had a spirited and jovial meeting. Both agreed that for Tasmania to grow and prosper a Fast Cat Ferry Service needed to be re-established.

“The Tasmanian Liberal state and federal government need a wake up call. They still don’t realize that Mainland visitors are avoiding Tasmania in droves because there’s no, no fuss, low cost, fast cat ferry crossing of Bass Strait.” said Senator Lambie.

“ It’s only when Mainland grey nomads and other tourists can travel quickly across Bass Strait for $60 per passenger and $100 per vehicle (as opposed to about $1800 return) that we’ll be on track to solving Tasmania’s economic woes.” said Senator Lambie.

“Lindsay pointed out to me that a fast cat service between Tasmania and a wharf close to Avalon Airport, that he was able to access – would give Tasmanian farmers better contact with a domestic fresh food market of the 200,000 people in Geelong.

This is the first time I’ve heard about the possibility of a new Mainland cargo off-loading destination close to the Avalon Airport. Lindsay informed me that it could take up to one hour off the Tasmanian fast cat sea trip, because it would not have to sail at slow speed to either Geelong or Melbourne ports.

When you look at the maps, it’s clear that Avalon is about three quarters of the way between Melbourne and Geelong – and this is an option that both the State and Federal governments must be prepared to talk about.” said Senator Lambie.

“Lindsay invited me to return to Melbourne, view the site from the air in the future and hold more talks about what’s needed to re-establish a new Fast Cat ferry service across Bass Strait.” said Senator Lambie.