Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier; Michael Ferguson, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, 13 November 2023
Public to have their say on expanded ferry network in Hobart
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is working hard to bust congestion in and around Hobart by creating more public transport options such as extra ferries on the River Derwent.
A draft River Derwent Ferry Service Masterplan identifying six potential new site locations has been released for public consultation.
Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, said the draft was a key step in expanding ferry services on the River Derwent.
“Once finalised, the masterplan will guide the expansion of ferry sites and services on the river, mapping out where sites will be and what they will look like,” Mr Rockliff said.
“Careful analysis of 33 sites from New Norfolk to Woodbridge to Nubeena has determined the locations of six new sites in addition to the existing Hobart and Bellerive locations.
“The draft masterplan proposes new sites at 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.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said the Department of State Growth has been working with the four greater Hobart Councils on the technical aspects of expanding the ferry services with potential sites assessed against 18 criteria including water depth, demand and whether a ferry would be quicker than a car.
Mr Ferguson said Tasmanians now have the chance to have their say on what the new sites would look like and what they would include.
“We want to know what would make infrastructure and services at each proposed site attractive and encourage people to use the services,” Mr Ferguson said.
Feedback is open until Monday, 8 January 2024.
Following consultation, more planning will be undertaken, including development of a more detailed timeline and a preferred next site for an expanded network.
To have your say, visit: engage.stategrowth.tas.gov.au.
Statement – Greater Hobart Mayors, 13 November 2023
Ferry expansion a top priority for Greater Hobart councils
“As Mayors of the Greater Hobart councils, 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.
The Greater Hobart councils have been leading calls to grow the ferry network, including securing a $20 million commitment from the Federal Government at last year’s election to build three new terminals at Lindisfarne, Wilkinsons Point and Sandy Bay.
Our initial focus is securing services and new terminals for these three locations, which we see as the most valuable opportunities for the first phase of the expansion.
We would certainly welcome a commitment to a staged expansion of the ferry service beyond these three new terminals – particularly south towards Kingston, which we see as a top priority for a future stage.
Given the pressures on our roads and bus network, this project is a top priority that needs definitive funding from the state government to move forward as quickly as possible.
Our councils will review the draft masterplan and have more to say as part of the consultation process.
We look forward to working with both the Federal and State governments to deliver this transformative project.”
Brendan Blomeley is the Mayor of Clarence City Council, Bec Thomas is the Mayor of Glenorchy City Council, Anna Reynolds is the Lord Mayor of the City of Hobart and Paula Wriedt is the Mayor of Kingborough Council.
