Major boost for Bruny Island ferry services

The Liberal Government is investing in the infrastructure and services we need to keep Tasmania moving.

Today, Premier Will Hodgman and Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding announced a new, extended peak season two-vessel model for Bruny Island to meet the growing demand of residents and visitors alike.

Mr Hodgman said the new model would see a 44 per cent increase in capacity over a new, extended six-month higher demand season when compared to the existing single vessel service.

“The Bowen will join the Mirrambeena from 2 November to provide the two-ferry service right through the coming summer and until the end of March, in addition to the already contracted Easter sailings,” he said.

“In future years, the vessels will operate together from the beginning of October till the end of March.

“This new model was proposed by the ferry operator, the Bruny Island Ferry Company, and comes after a Government-initiated and supported trial to test the increased demand, which was very successful.

“We have listened to the community, and we are helping Bruny Island to continue to grow as a tourism destination, while meeting the needs of residents.”

Mr Hidding said the Government was entering into a shared risk model with the ferry operator, which, depending on service take up, would at most cost up to $95,000 a year.

“With the market knowledge from the trial we facilitated last summer, and also an overdue fare adjustment, which will be modest due to our investment, the Government has been able to agree to a proposal that will address the demand challenges,” he said.

“This will deliver a bold and historic upgrade to resident and visitor access to Bruny Island, with an extra 327 car spaces per day for a full six months (except for Sundays, which will not have an early morning sailing as per past practice).

“More sailings will help provide better quality of life for residents and will boost confidence in the local business community, helping to create jobs.

“The Government is pleased to be delivering with the ferry operator a permanent solution for access to Bruny Island.”
Will Hodgman, Premier Rene Hidding, Minister for Infrastructure