Feasible ferry expansion

BY KRISTEN TSIAMIS

The Inner-West ferry line may be getting a much-needed upgrade, including the introduction of Glebe as a major stop in the Sydney Harbour Ferry Network.

New transport data released has identified Birchgrove, Glebe Point and Johnstons Bay as some locations to be upgraded in the ‘Sydney’s Ferry Future’ plan, thanks to an increase in population and use of public transport.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said “Transport for NSW is investigating a range of options to get the most out of Sydney’s ferry network in the short and long term.”

“Birchgrove, Glebe Point and Johnstons Bay were identified as locations for new or upgraded stops under Sydney’s Ferry Future. Opportunities for new wharves at Glebe Point and Johnstons Bay are currently being considered as part of broader planning for the Bays Precinct.”

Greens MP Jamie Parker and his office launched a Glebe Ferry Feasibility Review which supports Transport NSW and their potential plans to expand the ferry. This report was based off 2011 Census data, and found that upwards of 11,000 work-related trips per week would be made on the Glebe ferry stop, should one be put in.

After the launch of the report, Mr Parker said, “A ferry to Glebe is one step closer to becoming a reality. The report demonstrates clearly just how well supported a new service would be.”

The push for a ferry line to be extended throughout more suburbs of the Inner-West is not a new one, and has been bolstered since the successful implementation of the light rail service. The light rail has proved popular and exceeded the expected demand, more than two years after its first run.

Mr Parker said that it was not just the local community in support of a ferry line, but that the Maritime Union have also been in support of his push to expand the line.

“I will be consulting with the community on this issue, to shape the project from here and determine the needs of residents, community organisations, local groups, ferry workers, and commuters. I’ve received strong support from the Maritime Union (MUA), the Glebe Chamber of Commerce president and, of course, the Glebe Society who have been champions of improved public transport for many years.

The Transport NSW spokesperson said that they are “committed to longer-term planning, which will consider options to expand the transport network in line with future demand and urban renewal opportunities.”

The Transport NSW spokesperson said of the timeline of the proposed plans that they are still a while away.

“A new plan for the delivery and management of transport over the coming decades will be released for consultation in 2017.”