Peninsula service skim vessel on way

Jessica Benton
A transport businessman plans to include the Bellarine Peninsula in world-first trials of a futuristic passenger service between Geelong and Melbourne.
Geelong’s Barry Miller said the trials of the water-skimming “aircraft-type” passenger vessel could include services from Portarlington and Queenscliff as early as next year.
Mr Miller wants to use the vessel for ferrying commuters and tourists between Geelong’s Steampacket Pier and Port of Melbourne’s Beacon Cove.
The service could also include links to Sorrento, Frankston and Werribee South.
City of Greater Geelong has thrown its support behind the plan, requesting a planning permit application for a six-to-12-month trial between Geelong and Melbourne.
“We’ve had a lot of regulatory bodies to go through but hopefully the first trials will begin in February. If that’s successful we’ll also trial a service out of Sorrento to Beacon Cove, incorporating Portarlington and other peninsula locations,” Mr Miller said.
The vessel could reach speeds up to 150km/h, cruising between half a metre and three metres above the water.
Passengers would travel from Geelong to Melbourne in about 30 minutes depending on weather conditions at a cost of $118 for a return trip.
Services could also include freight, Avalon Airport connections and an emergency Medivac service.
“The $118 charge will cover establishment costs and would include the tram fare into the Melbourne CBD,” Mr Miller said.
“We’re hoping to drop the price to around $30 or $40 eventually.” .
Incumbent peninsula ward councillor Tom O’Connor said growing environmental concerns and financial crises meant transport operators and authorities should increase their focuses on the potential for sea traffic routes.
Cr O’Connor called Mr Miller’s plan “absolutely sensational”.
“We’ve really got to focus on sea traffic because it costs you nothing. There are no roads to build or maintain and all you need is a permit,” he said.
“It’s also a pleasurable way of travelling and you don’t have to fight traffic.
“In the face of greenhouse emissions and financial challenges, we need to cut costs any way possible.
“I think it’s a super-duper idea.”