By Luke Voogt
The Portarlington Ferry will continue for at least three years after a deal between the State Government and Port Phillip Ferries.
Bellarine Ferry Group’s John Rae was thrilled following Monday morning’s announcement the ferry would run every day for the next three years.
“We’re just over the moon,” he said. “It’s an exciting day for Portarlington.”
The service resumed Tuesday with a 5.15am ferry from Docklands to Portarlington, followed by a 7am return trip.
Port Phillip Ferries will run three services each day, with two during peak-hour times on weekdays.
More than 400 people lined the docks at Portarlington for 20 minute celebratory cruise around the Port Phillip Bay Monday morning.
“We had too many to take today when the ferry came in and had about 100 sitting on the docks,” Mr Rae said.
The longtime campaigner described the announcement as a win for public transport on the Bellarine.
“This is the only direct form of transport that is available for the Bellarine to Melbourne’s CBD,” he said.
Mr Rae said the announcement had come at the perfect time: at the start of the tourism season.
“This town’s population swells by 22,000 over the holiday season. From the other end of town the operation will focus on tourism and bringing people to Bellarine.”
The ferry could cause an “explosion” of new tourism businesses on the Bellarine, Mr Rae said.
“I’ve already had one inquiry from a gentleman who wants to operate the blue pedal bikes they have in Melbourne – except motorised.”
Bellarine MP Lisa Neville attended the event with Port Phillip Ferries operations director Murray Rance.
“Everything she talked to us about she’s delivered on, which has been just fabulous,” Mr Rae said.
Ms Neville said the State Government was working to raise speed limits on the Yarra – which could slash the ferry’s journey by 15 minutes.
“During the busy summer months when tourism swells across the Bellarine, this will be a great way to commute to the city,” she said.
Port Phillip Ferries owner Paul Little said the service would open the bay to Bellarine commuters, and tourists from Melbourne and abroad.
“We hope to extend the service to other regions of our bay once services for Portarlington are established.”
The government expects to complete its $15 million Portarlington Safe Harbour in early 2017.
