Image: Infrastructure NSW
Transport minister John Graham has instructed Transport for NSW to investigate the reintroduction of ferry services to Walsh Bay, after a parliamentary petition garnered over 1,000 signatures.
“I have asked Transport for NSW to work with the Sydney Ferries operator, Transdev, to investigate service plan options to incorporate Walsh Bay into the existing Sydney Ferries network,” Graham wrote.
“Any changes to the existing Sydney Ferries network have an impact on fleet, budget and network operations and therefore need to be assessed before decisions or commitments can be made. Transport for NSW must also assess the required wharf upgrades necessary to meet relevant customer service and safety obligations.”
Service would significantly improve accessibility, says petition
The petition, which received 1,041 signatures, was presented to the Legislative Assembly by the Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich.
“Historically one of Australia’s most significant maritime precincts, ferries sail past Walsh Bay’s four heritage finger wharves daily without stopping,” it reads.
“A ferry connection would significantly enhance accessibility, sustainability, and cultural vibrancy in this waterfront area.”
“Home to the world-class Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Pier One hotel, and various harbourside restaurants, Walsh Bay hosts major cultural events such as the Sydney Festival and New Year’s Eve celebrations.”
“The Walsh Bay Arts Precinct is vital to Sydney’s creative identity, housing nine leading performing arts companies, including the Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Dance Company, drawing thousands of visitors weekly.”
A Transport for NSW spokesperson told the City Hub in May that the agency “acknowledges the strong interest from the local community in the potential return of ferry services to Walsh Bay.”
“We continue to work through options to determine their feasibility and operational impacts.”
From 1801 when American ex-slave Billy Blue started rowing passengers across the harbour, Dawes Point and what is now Walsh Bay were long served by successive operators. The 1932 completion of the Harbour Bridge condemned these regular operations. During biennales however, vintage vessels have provided free transportation between the bay, Circular Quay and Cockatoo Island.
Circular Quay and the Barangaroo wharves are about equidistant from Walsh Bay, a 20 minute walk away.
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