On board for growing links across Derwent

Clarence Council is helping to deliver more ferry services to ease traffic troubles, writes Brendan Blomeley.

Published in the Mercury on Friday, 9 August 2024 (see here).

Today marks the third anniversary of the popular Bellerive to Hobart ferry service and on every measure, it has proven to be a tremendous success.?

As a vocal advocate for the Derwent ferry service over many years, it has been exciting to see the service go from strength to strength, far exceeding expectations with over 360,000 passengers using the service since it was first introduced on a trial basis in 2021.?

While the initial service was established using largely existing infrastructure it has proven to be highly valuable in easing traffic congestion - taking cars off key arterial roads, especially those leading to the city from the eastern shore.??

From day one, the Derwent ferry has been a resounding success and Clarence residents, and likely those from further afield, have descended on Bellerive to make the most of the service.??

Bellerive Boardwalk has provided a fantastic starting point for the service, and with design work underway for an upgrade to the wharf and facilities, Bellerive will set the benchmark for what’s to come.?

The success of the service has strengthened the call for an expanded ferry network – and planning for this to occur is now underway thanks to effective collaboration between all three tiers of government.?

As we continue to experience population growth in southern Tasmania, which in turn places growing pressure on our road network, increased utilisation of the River Derwent is the obvious solution.?

The City of Clarence proudly continues to play a key role in the growth of the ferry service as we now focus on expansion to Lindisfarne.??

Over 50 per cent of Lindisfarne residents are active in the workforce, with many commuting, which contributes to making this being the ideal location for the next stage of ferry network expansion.?

Last month we consulted with our community and stakeholders on two proposed sites for the new Lindisfarne terminal – Natone Street and the Lindisfarne Sailing Club.

Pleasingly, our public consultation had a very high level of participation, with 7 in 10 respondents telling us that they expect to use the Lindisfarne service.?Furthermore, 6 in 10 participants expected to use the ferry at least once a week.?

The strong support for an alternative method for crossing the Derwent from Lindisfarne is fantastic and shows the need for convenient alternative forms of public transport.?

There was more to learn through the community engagement; feedback showed locals have positive feelings and concerns for both sites, and we will represent all views when a report is tabled at a council meeting later this month.?

Initially, Council provided in-principle support for the terminal to be located at the sailing club site, as it is more central, more sheltered and better connected.?

However, the community have communicated a number of very valid points, and the majority of participants were in favour of the Natone Street site as it would have less impact on existing Lindisfarne Bay users and provide a faster ferry ride.?

No site is the ‘right’ option – there will be pros and cons to both. It is the role of council to listen to the community and hear their thoughts when considering and collating the results of the consultation.?

These results will be provided to the Tasmanian Government, who will make the final decision on where the terminal will be located.??

For the Derwent ferry service to reach its full potential and be truly transformational long-term, we need to adopt a big-picture approach - a service that delivers numerous terminals along both sides of the river, allowing ferries to crisscross, providing a reliable service for both locals and tourists alike.?

The first three years of the ferry service have provided a great insight into the trends of commuters and issues that will need to be considered as the network expands.?

While the Derwent ferry has not been designed as a ‘park-and-ride’ service, it is clear the Tasmanian Government needs to look at ways to improve the interconnectedness of public transport systems to better service ferry terminals.?

This will encourage more people to leave their car at home, or further away, and use multiple modes of public transport to reach their destination.?

As public transport is not within our jurisdiction, council is and will continue to do what we can to improve access to ferry terminals.?

This year we have budgeted for the design of a cycling connectivity lane on Queen Street, Bellerive, that will improve travel times and safety for users moving to and from the Bellerive terminal.?

This is in line with the draft Master Plan for Victoria Esplanade which council is developing and is cognisant of the opportunities brought by the ferry service. We are continually working to upgrade the Clarence Foreshore Trail which covers 14km of multi-user pathway and provides a wonderful way for those walking or riding from Geilston Bay to Howrah to get to the Bellerive terminal, and when it eventuates, the Lindisfarne terminal.?

Our 2024/2025 budget includes $1 million for upgrades to the Rosny section of the trail.?

The ferry service has surpassed expectations with many enjoying their weekends with Saturday sailings becoming permanent and bringing visitors to the sunny side to enjoy our many cafes, parks, and events.?

We must continue to strategically consider and support the potential for growth of the Derwent ferry service for the benefit of all.??

By governments, and communities, working together we can smooth out the bumps in the road, or navigate any rough seas, to create a better-connected Greater City of Hobart via the River Derwent.?

Can you think of a better way to travel to work - and to showcase our stunning Capital City - than using our beloved and unique waterway?

Brendan Blomeley is the Mayor of the City of Clarence.?