Ferry bid ‘real, not pie in sky’

A trial ferry from Portarlington to Melbourne “seems to be the real deal” rather than “pie in the sky”, according to a Geelong councillor.
Lindsay Ellis said council was “extremely interested” in helping the proposed trial of a catamaran-hull ferry “come to fruition”.
Logistics industry heavyweight and Essendon Football Club chairman Paul Little revealed the trial plan this week.
The ferry would sail from Portarlington to Wyndham and on to Docklands, he told ABC radio.
Mr Little expected the trip would be significantly quicker than making the trip by road during peak hour, with passengers also enjoying relaxation time on the way.
Travel time would be about 40 minutes, he said.
Mr Little revealed he was in talks with SeaLink Travel Group to operate the trial.
“We’re been working on this project for a while. It’s mainly directed at the western side of Port Phillip bay but it’s running commuter ferries and trying to take some pressure off the roads.
Mr Little expected the three-month trial to begin early next year.
The service has been mooted for years, with Portarlington’s harbour redevelopment incorporating berthing facilities for a ferry.
Cr Ellis, whose ward covers Portarlington, said Mr Little’s proposal would “fit in well” with timelines for the harbour project.
“At this stage it looks like a natural,” he said.
Commuters would welcome the ferry to avoid the “agonising” car trip to Melbourne each morning.
Cr Ellis said council was “very open to discussions with Mr Little’s group”.
“This doesn’t seem like pie in the sky – it seems to be the real deal and we’re extremely interested in helping this proposal come to fruition.”