Ferry would bring two-way benefits

WHILE a River Derwent ferry service would benefit commuters, it would be a huge boost to the economy on Hobart’s Eastern Shore, a local business owner says.

The Mercury Future Tasmania survey of more than 2500 Tasmanians showed strong support for expanded public transport options to combat traffic.

Eighty-two per cent of survey respondents said traffic congestion had worsened over the past 12 months.

The survey showed 72 per cent support for a Hobart ferry service and for making ferries a priority project for the Government. More than 80 per cent of people said a northern suburbs light rail should also be a priority project.

The personal car remained by far the main means of getting to work and study, with 60 per cent of people driving a car, 10 per cent walking and 8 per cent catching the bus.

Bellerive cafe owner Ruth de Bont said while she was “living the dream” of living and working on the Eastern Shore, she could see the two-way benefits of a ferry.

Mrs de Bont, who owns Three Little Ducks, said a recent temporary ferry service showed the potential for a permanent service.

A free ferry to and from Hobart ran in January when the Tasman Highway was closed for the installation of the Bridge of Remembrance.

“It was fantastic but it left very little parking for customers in the area … Parking is an issue around Bellerive,” Mrs de Bont said.

Mrs de Bont said she believed a Hobart-Bellerive ferry would be viable if it was backed up with more parking.

She said a ferry would also make the Eastern Shore more attractive to visitors.

“People would come over for a day to explore the Eastern Shore because there’s so much to see and do,” she said.

A River Derwent ferry service remains on the State Government’s to-do list.

Former infrastructure minister Jeremy Rockliff said the State Government “absolutely” expected ferries to be traversing the River Derwent in the current term of Government.

This year’s state budget included $500,000 annually to Metro over three years from 2019-20 to establish a ferry service between Sullivans Cove and Bellerive.

However, a report has revealed the funding will have to be significantly increased to offer a comprehensive daily timetable.

A northern suburbs light rail, which has strong public support, is less of a focus for the Liberals.

Earlier this month, light rail advocates urged the State Government to get on with the project, after the Government announced it was seeking a consultant to do a study on the best options for the existing rail line.