By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
PORTARLINGTON could have its ferry service to Melbourne operating from the middle of next year, according to the town’s safe harbour and ferry group.
President John Rae said a recent $3 million go ahead for upgrade works on Portarlington Pier was a positive sign for the proposed ferry service.
“From talks with Parks Victoria senior management, who are responsible for the work, the project includes provision for piles that would provide the base for floating pontoons for ferry berths.
“In theory, this would allow a ferry service to operate from mid next year while the safe harbour was being built around it.”
The Independent reported earlier this month that a new 175 metre-long, 4.5 metre-wide pier would be built alongside the existing pier. State Government has sought tenders to build the pier.
Mr Rae said the group would make the safe harbour and ferry service into an election issue.
“There’s been no indication of further funding pledge for the safe harbour and ferry from State Government but that may occur during the election.
“We’re hoping for further announcements in the campaign, matching the ALP pledge of $15 million for stage one.
“It will be a huge election issue and the current government has a bit to catch up on.”
Mr Rae said the group would initiate another round of public meetings on the issue as well as letterbox drops to voters.
“We’ll become involved in campaigning at the beginning of August. We have already held 120 public meetings presenting the ferry and harbour case to various groups.
“We’ll go back to each one and prepare material pointing out the score between the parties.”
Mr Rae said the “vital” project would offer a 45-minute trip to Port Melbourne where it would connect with a 12-minute light rail ride to central Melbourne.
The group understood that the Government was examining exemptions for ferries to a Yarra River speed limit, allowing them to dock at Docklands, he said.
