Ferry bid gathers steam

CAPITALISING on Hobart’s booming tourist trade would help sustain a River Derwent ferry service, Incat chairman Robert Clifford says.

Mr Clifford was involved in Hobart City Council-initiated talks yesterday to look at the possibility of re-establishing a ferry service on the Derwent.

Mr Clifford said the meet- ing was a good first step, with those present genuinely excited about the proposal.

“It’s not going to happen in five minutes, but I thought there was plenty of support in the room,” he said.

“The councils were very positive, there were operators who liked the idea of it and even the State Government was open to it.”

Mr Clifford has created a plan for a network of com- muter ferries on the Derwent to eventually run between Bridgewater and Blackmans Bay. He said ensuring the network took advantage of Hobart’s tourism boom would help it be viable.

“The point was made there will be a hell of a lot more cruise ship passengers next year,’’ he said.

“I think if you did it right, you absolutely could help sustain it through capitalising on the amount of tourists who come here by running tours of the river.”

Nearly 50 people took part in the talks, including representatives from the Clarence, Glenorchy and Kingborough councils and Mona ferry operators Navigators. A final report on the proposal will be prepared.

Hobart alderman and ferry advocate Phillip Cocker said the meeting was worthwhile.

“It was useful to see what the views were from people who are passionate about ferries,” he said.

Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey said the focus had to be on making the ferries an attractive option for commuters.

“We have to change the culture around transport in the city,” she said.

Infrastructure minister Rene Hidding said he looked forward to seeing the report.