Fast ferry should be commuter option

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales has called for an Ettalong Beach to Circular Quay Fast Ferry be regarded as part of the commuter transport options for the Peninsula and the Coast.

It should not be relegated to "the private enterprise basket", he said.

Mr Wales said that "all levels of Government" should underwrite the venture.

"It is extraordinary that the residents of the Central Coast have to put up with the chaos that happens more and more frequently on the F3 Freeway," Mr Wales said.

"From bush fires to truck crashes, the poor old Central Coast motorist has copped it all.

"Even though the Federal Government is investing millions of dollars to increase the capacity of the freeway by widening the two lane sections to three lanes, the irony is that the widening will not make any difference to the bush fire chaos or prevent the closure of the freeway in the event of a semi-trailer crash."

He said that such closures had happened on the three-lane sections.

"Also of concern is the time it is taking to complete the widening.

"It can only be hoped that with all the recent political cooperation between the State and Federal Governments, the work will be completed quickly.

"As to a completely new road link, I think we all have to be realistic and admit that this is not going to be practical in the short to medium term.

"How often has the high speed rail been dragged out over the years and yet nothing has ever eventuated.

"Even with improved rail links, our train services are just as susceptible to bush fires as the freeway.

"So where do we go?

"In the short term, I am still mystified why all levels of Government don't underwrite the much-touted fast ferry from Ettalong Beach to Circular Quay.

"This should form part of the commuter transport debate instead of relegating it to private enterprise basket.

"Clearly, with the global credit squeeze, these sorts of private enterprise ventures become increasingly difficult.

"It is the view of the Peninsula business community that all the options need to be canvassed by both the State and Federal Government otherwise Central Coast commuters will continue to be the employment pariahs of Sydney labour market."

Press release, 3 Feb 2008 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce