By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A PROMISED full study on a proposed Portarlington ferry has “dramatically increased” the chances of developing the service, according to a proponent
Portarlington safe harbour and ferry group president John Rae welcomed opposition transport spokesperson Jill Hennessy’s promise of the study as part of an ALP pledge to put $15 million into Portarlington’s safe harbour project.
“Even though it won’t be until 2015, a high-level study on the ferry means the likelihood of getting the ferry increases dramatically,” Mr Rae said.
“With the attention the Portarlington pier, safe harbour and ferry has received, this promises to be an exciting time for us.
“We’ve been working on this for six years, so this is now the most crucial election from our point of view.”
Mr Rae said the group strongly believed a study would vindicate a 42-minute ferry service to Port Melbourne, combined with a light rail to Melbourne’s CBD.
“It has to be part of the public transport system but it would also be fantastic for tourism to this area,” Mr Rae said.
Ms Hennessy said an Andrews Labor Government would undertake a study with a “high level leadership committee” to investigate the viability of a direct ferry service from Portarlington to Melbourne.
“Labor will also ensure the project is delivered at the highest level of Government, led by Regional Development Victoria to ensure it moves quickly,” she said.
“The study will be led by the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure and may involve potential providers.
“The ferry service for the Bellarine Peninsula will build upon Labor’s plans to fund stage one of the Portarlington Safe Harbour Master Plan.
“Labor’s support for the Portarlington Safe Harbour Project means that the Bellarine’s dream of a commuter ferry service is one step closer.”
Ms Hennessy said the total harbour redevelopment, envisaged under the master plan as a public/private partnership, would cost about $58 million.
The safe harbour redevelopment and ferry service were first mooted over 10 years ago, attracting promises of feasibility studies and funding in each subsequent state election.
