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
