Smooth sailing for Derwent ferries

The Albanese Labor Government’s first Budget has delivered $20 million to extend ferry services to new parts of Hobart on the Derwent River.

The money allocated in the October Budget will fund a network of accessible, all weather floating jetties and ferry terminals along the river.

Since the beginning of August 2021, the Derwent Ferry service has been a popular mode of public transport for Hobartians. Since the first voyage of the ferry between Bellerive and Hobart, 130,000 passengers have made use of the service.

In delivering this funding, the Albanese Labor Government will partner with councils across the Greater Hobart region to build a network of jetties and terminals along the river.

It is expected that new jetty and terminal locations will include Lindisfarne, Sandy Bay and Wilkinsons Point, as well as an upgrade to the Bellerive pier.

Bus services and active transport will be integrated with the terminals, and this integration will play a key role in easing congestion and giving locals more choice in how to get around.

As the service continues to grow, more and more locations will come on board – including within Kingborough and Brighton Councils.

Quotes attributed to Julie Collins MP, Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Small Business:

“The Derwent Ferry has fast become a feature of our beautiful city. The Albanese Labor Government understands how important it is for us to deliver more public transport for our community.

“I am particularly pleased this new funding will help to deliver more public transport options for Eastern Shore residents.

“Labor is committed to investing in more affordable public transport and helping ease traffic congestion across Greater Hobart.

Quotes attributed to Senator Carol Brown, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport:

“Hobart is a river city and this investment will take full advantage of that.

“The Derwent ferry service gives locals another mode of public transport, making it easier to get from Bellerive to the city and vice versa.

“Today’s announcement is included within the $685 million of infrastructure election commitments delivered in the October Budget for Tasmania.”