The Rockliff Liberal Government is doing what matters for all Tasmanians by busting congestion in and around Hobart and creating more public transport options such as extra ferries on the River Derwent.
Impressively, more than 300,000 passengers have boarded a Derwent Ferry as the popularity of the public transport service continues to grow.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, congratulated commuters on achieving this significant milestone, which comes as consultation on the draft River Derwent Ferry Masterplan closes.
“The current Derwent Ferry route continues to grow in popularity and is now averaging more than 500 passengers a day,” Mr Ferguson said.
“I am also thrilled that more than 600 pieces of feedback were received from the community in relation to the draft River Derwent Ferry Masterplan and we have received strong engagement from River Derwent stakeholders and industry.
“This shows there is a strong appetite to grow the ferry network, which will help ease traffic congestion and revitalise key locations along the River Derwent.
“Now consultation has closed, we will use this feedback to guide our decision making on future planning, including ongoing community engagement and development of a more detailed timeline of the preferred site for an expanded network."
The Bellerive to Hobart ferry service initially commenced in 2021 as a trial, however, due to its popularity, was made ongoing by the Tasmanian Government in 2022.
Mr Ferguson said the draft River Derwent Ferries Masterplan proposed new sites at Lindisfarne, Howrah, Wilkinsons Point, Sandy Bay, Regatta Point, and Kingston Beach.
“The Rockliff Liberal Government’s draft plan for future ferry services initially aims to ease congestion between Hobart’s eastern and western shores before building connectivity along the river,” he said.
For more information on the River Derwent Ferry Service Masterplan, please visit engage.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/river-derwent-ferry-service-masterplan-consultation
More Media Releases from Michael Ferguson
More Media Releases from the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport