Fast Ships released from obligation

Gosford Council has resolved to release Fast Ships Ltd from its obligation to provide and operate a fast ferry service to the Sydney CBD, subject to Fast Ships Ltd, releasing council from its obligations.

Council will negotiate with Fast Ships to seek a licence to use the documentation prepared, including consents and approvals, plans, specifications and reports.

A further agenda item will be considered within six months that outlines options to provide an alternative transport link to the Sydney CBD.

Council in 1997 appointed Fast Ships as the preferred proponent to provide and operate a fast ferry service from Gosford City to the Sydney CBD.

The agreement executed in 2006 required Fast Ships to provide infrastructure including a terminal and wharf in Ettalong by June 2008.

Council, at the request of Fast Ships, extended the completion date to June 2009.

Fast Ships, in a letter dated January 7, requested that council release it from its obligation to provide the infrastructure and ferry service as detailed in the agreement.

At council's meeting of February 5, Cr Craig Doyle stated that it was with "extreme disappointment" that after 10 years the community saw the proposed fast ferry "torpedoed".

"The upside is now we can get the proposal back in council's hands and we can look at other ways to refloat the concept of the fast ferry," Cr Doyle said.

Council agenda COR.10, 5 Jan 2008