Still four weeks left to have your say on Hobart ferry expansion

Michael Ferguson, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

The Rockliff 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.

There are four weeks left for Tasmanians to have their say on an expanded River Derwent ferry network and the facilities to be included at each site.

A draft River Derwent Ferry Service Masterplan identifying six potential new site locations has been open for public consultation since 13 November 2023.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said the expansion was part of the plan to address congestion in and around Hobart by creating more public transport options.

“Feedback received to date has been overwhelmingly positive, and anyone yet to have a say is encouraged to do so before consultation closes on Monday, 8 January 2024,” Mr Ferguson said.

“We’ve already heard from more than 400 people and see strong support for our proposal to expand ferry sites and services on the River Derwent and putting forward ideas on what the new sites could look like.

“We want to know what would make infrastructure and services at each proposed site attractive and encourage people to use the services.

“The draft masterplan proposes new sites at Lindisfarne, Howrah, Wilkinsons Point, Sandy Bay, Regatta Point, and Kingston Beach.

“Careful analysis of 33 sites from New Norfolk to Woodbridge to Nubeena has determined the locations of six additional sites to the existing Hobart and Bellerive locations.

“The proposal is based initially on easing congestion between Hobart’s eastern and western shores, before building connectivity along the river,” he said.

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

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