Today marks three years since the incredibly successful Derwent ferry service began between Bellerive and Hobart.
The popularity of the ferry has exceeded expectations with over 360,000 passengers since 2021, when the service began as a one-year trial.
The milestone was celebrated this morning by passengers who were joined by Clarence City Council Mayor Brendan Blomeley and The Honourable Eric Abetz MP, Minister for Transport.
Clarence City Council Mayor Brendan Blomeley said Council proudly continued to be a key player in the growth of the service.
“The establishment of a Bellerive to Hobart ferry service is one of the achievements I will look back on most fondly long after my time as mayor has come to an end,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“As a vocal advocate for the Derwent ferry service for many years, it has been fantastic to witness it go from strength to strength,” he said.
“It is now a regular form of transport for many commuters, and benefits residents, workers, and many business operators in Clarence.
“The service was first established using largely existing infrastructure and has proven to be highly valuable by taking cars off key roads – especially the Tasman Bridge during peak hour – while adding to the vibrancy of the City of Clarence.”
The rapid uptake of the service has proven the viability for expansion and new terminals have been earmarked for development in Lindisfarne, Sandy Bay and Wilkinsons Point.
All levels of Government have been working together to develop the ferry service, with the Federal Government providing $20 million to build ferry infrastructure across Greater Hobart.
Clarence City Council consulted with the community and stakeholders on two proposed sites for a new Lindisfarne terminal.
The two sites proposed in Lindisfarne were Natone Street and the Lindisfarne Sailing Club site.
“The public consultation had a high level of participation, and 7 in 10 respondents say they expect to use a Lindisfarne service,” said Mayor Blomeley.
“There were good arguments for and against both proposed locations- but pleasingly overall there is consensus on the need and desire for a ferry service in Lindisfarne.
“Over 50 per cent of Lindisfarne residents are people who are active in the workforce, with many commuting – one of the reasons this area is ideal for expansion of the ferry service.”
“The consultation generated a lot of responses which has assisted Council to understand the likely take-up of this new service, including preferences as to a preferred location.
“Council put forward in-principle support for the Sailing Club site based on information received to date, it was clear from the community that Natone Street was the preferred option.”
“While the final decision on the location of the terminal to be made in conjunction with the Tasmanian Government and noting that it is still subject to further testing and assessments, Council will vote at our next meeting on whether to endorse Natone Street as our preferred option.”
Last year the State Government released a draft of the River Derwent Master Plan for public consultation which will also inform expansion of the service, along with geotesting.
