Wales calls for fast ferry

Independent candidate for Gosford Ms Debra Wales has called on the State Government to back the high-speed ferry service from Ettalong Beach to Circular Quay, following the latest closure of the F3 Freeway after bushfires "raged out of control".

"Recent commitments by the NSW Liberals for a second freeway link from Kariong to Wisemans Ferry are about as believable as the Bob Carr's fast train to Sydney", Ms Wales said.

"The answer is staring everyone in the face.

"Governments must get behind the fast ferry service to Sydney and, if necessary, fund the wharf and terminal building.

"Compared to the Liberals $1 billion price tag for a second freeway, the meager $30 million for the fast ferry service is a much more realistic option.

"If Government got behind the fast ferry, it would be operational within 12 months delivering our hard-working commuters to the centre of Sydney in less than an hour.

"This is compared to the Liberals' fairytale promise to produce a study on the feasibility of a second six-lane freeway linking Kariong to Wisemans Ferry and the mooted M7 link which, even in our wildest dreams, will take 10 years of studies before a shovel hits the dirt.

"That is, of course, dependent on the Federal Government coughing up its share of the billion dollar price tag.

"This also ignores the environmental impacts of such a freeway proposal which would carve a path through national parks and impair the world class vistas of the Hawkesbury River."

Ms Wales said that, by comparison, the high-speed ferry link to Sydney would have "minimal environmental impact" which had "already been confirmed through an EIS".

Ms Wales said that the high-speed ferry service was already approved, had valid consents and could commence work immediately.

"It just seems ridiculous to talk about second freeways and fast trains when we live on one of most accessible coastal waterways on the eastern seaboard less than an hour from Sydney", said Ms Wales.

"Elections always seem to bring out all the wild promises when more practical solutions are ready to go.

"In addition to ensuring a vital third transport link, the fast ferry will also deliver tourists onto the Central Coast producing hundreds of job opportunities and creating investment potential desperately needed in the local area."

Press release, 30 Jan 2007 Debra Wales, Independent candidate for Gosford