FERRY REAL FEARS FOR XMAS

GEELONG councillors have warned the city’s much-loved floating Christmas tree will be killed off by a decision to allow a ferry to berth at the waterfront

The City of Greater Geelong on Tuesday approved a $90,000 plan to install mooring piles at Steampacket Quay to allow the new Docklands to Geelong commuter ferry service to dock at the centre of the waterfront.

But a trio of councillors tried to scuttle the plan, claiming the 400-seat ferry — dubbed the Geelong Flyer — would destroy views of the Christmas tree in December.

“I actually see the threat of the ferry is actually going to cause the demise of the Christmas tree,” councillor Anthony Aitken claimed. “They can’t coexist at the site location.”

Councillor Eddy Kontelj said the ferry would provide an excellent commercial outcome for the city, but also claimed the tree would be forced to make way for the ferry.

“I’m really concerned what this is going to do for our iconic Christmas tree,” Cr Kontelj said. “I, too, feel in time the tree will be moved on.”

Councillor Kylie Grzybek questioned why council needed to stump up $90,000 for the multimillion-dollar project.

A majority of councillors voted in favour of the plan, which also approves for the tree to be moved closer the shore

Mayor Bruce Harwood said the tree and ferry would be side by side.

“It’s fantastic we’ve been able to find a solution so the tree and ferry can coexist at Steampacket Quay during the Christmas period,” Cr Harwood said.

“The economic return from the service and tourism will far outweigh the initial minor cost.”

The State Government will trial the commuter ferry between Geelong and Melbourne for three years, launching in December.

Operator Port Phillip Ferries (PPF), owned by billionaire Paul Little, claims to have invested almost $20 million on the Melbourne-Geelong ferry project.

“You need to bring it into the heart of the city, you need parking. All of the services around the world have told us that,” PPF chief executive Murray Rance told the Addy this week.

It is estimated the ferry project will inject up to $4 million into Geelong’s local economy in its first six months of operation, with visitors tipped to each spend an average of $89 when they visit.

The State Government has contributed $6 million to the three-year ferry trial. The journey between Victoria’s two biggest cities will take a little more than 90 minutes, with a return trip costing $36.

The floating Christmas tree is set to be launched on Friday, November 8.