Residents in Geelong will have another transport option to Melbourne, with the Andrews Labor Government backing a trial of a ferry service between Geelong and Melbourne.
In what is also expected to be a big boost to tourism to Melbourne’s second city, this three-year trial will start early in 2019.
The new ferry trial follows the successful delivery of Labor’s election commitment that has seen a ferry operate between Portarlington and Docklands.
Over 6000 people a month have used the Portarlington Ferry Service, providing a new alternative way to get to the city, with this figure doubling during the peak summer season.
The Labor Government will invest $6 million to fund the trial for three years with the first service expected to run early next year. This funding certainty means that Port Phillip Ferries can now get on with ordering the state-of-the art high speed ferry needed to deliver these new services.
This is in addition to the $15 million Portarlington Safe Harbour development which was completed in February this year, supporting the Bellarine Peninsula’s growing aquaculture industry and helping boost tourism.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“A ferry service between Geelong and Melbourne doesn’t just benefit commuters – it’s a major boost for tourism to our second biggest city.”
“Victorians are getting onboard – we’ve seen a take up of 6000 passengers a month on the Portarlington to Docklands ferry – now Geelong locals will have another transport option.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events, and Member for Lara John Eren
“This will see tourism continue to grow in Victoria’s second biggest city, supporting jobs and our local economy, as well as giving workers another travel option between our two great cities.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Water and Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville
“We promised that we’d deliver a ferry service to Portarlington and we delivered. This builds on that service and gives Geelong commuters and tourists that alternative travel option they need.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Chris Couzens
“This is great news for Geelong and continues our work to give locals and tourists the transport services they need. This is about jobs and ensuring Geelong remains a great place to live and work.”
Quote attributable to Port Phillip Ferries Owner Paul Little
“We are thrilled to confirm that the Geelong to Melbourne ferry service has been given the green light by the State Government of Victoria. My vision for Port Phillip Ferries has always been about making ferry travel accessible to as many Victorian’s as possible. This takes us one step closer to that vision.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020