Image: Aerial shot of Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. Image: courtesy INSW
A parliamentary petition calling for the reintroduction of ferry services to Walsh Bay has closed, after amassing more than 1,000 signatures.
Filed by Sydney Local Woman of the Year Yasmina Bonnet on behalf of the Walsh Bay Ferry Alliance, it argues that a connection “would significantly enhance accessibility, sustainability, and cultural vibrancy in this waterfront area.”
“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.”
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.
Affiliates of the alliance include the arts precinct, the Millers Point Community Resident Action Group and luxury hotel Pier One.
A “no-brainer,” says Greenwich
The petition says that a link would benefit Sydney’s cultural and tourism sectors; increase connectivity for residents, visitors and workers; bridge the gap between Walsh Bay and major transport hubs at Circular Quay and Barangaroo; promote sustainable transport, reducing car reliance and congestion; enhance night life; and celebrate the area’s maritime heritage.
Circular Quay and the Barangaroo wharves are about equidistant, a 20 minute walk away.
“We therefore ask the Legislative Assembly to call on the NSW Government to investigate connecting Walsh Bay to the Sydney Ferries harbour network, which would bring significant benefits to this iconic Sydney destination.”
Independent Sydney MLA Alex Greenwich is on board. “Connecting the Walsh Bay arts and culture precinct to the Sydney Ferries network is a no-brainer.”
“Thousands of visitors make their way to the area every week to see world class dance, theatre and music performances but there are few direct public transport options, leaving the area heavily congested before and after shows.”
“Adding in a ferry service will only enhance the precinct, encourage more visitors and close the gap in connectivity to major transport hubs in nearby tourist spots.”
Lord mayor Clover Moore is also in favour.
Transport agency is investigating
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said 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.”
Ferry services are undergoing a period of expansion. “The NSW Government has upgraded and reopened the Balmain West Wharf to services on the F3 Parramatta River and expanded the F10 ferry route with a new stop at Pirrama Park Wharf at Pyrmont.”
“We are also looking forward to ferry services to the new Sydney Fish Market.”
Captain Cook Cruises runs the Lane Cove commuter route that passes Walsh Bay, among other operations. Nick Lester is the general manager of its parent, SeaLink Sydney Harbour.
“Lane Cove is the only Government service we run. The rest of our operations are predominantly tourism based.” In 2015, they inaugurated a private commuter run between Watsons Bay and Circular Quay.
Lester said that the commercial outcomes of a route to Walsh Bay “would have to be underpinned by some sort of government scheme, like it is with Sydney Ferries or the NRMA Manly service.”
Depending on demand, the Government could make Walsh Bay a stop on the way to Parramatta or Barangaroo, he added. “We’re always in favour of a greater ferry network.”
A response from transport minister Jobn Graham is expected within 35 days of the next Legislative Assembly sitting on 26 May.
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