Look at realistic ferry options

Gosford Council's recent resolution to release Fast Ships Ltd from its obligation to provide and operate a fast ferry service to the Sydney CBD has a major upside - it now allows council to look afresh at realistic options for a ferry service to Sydney.

Peninsula Residents Association Inc (PRAI) believe that a tourist ferry service to the Central Coast is financially more feasible than a commuter ferry, which we believe would require either fares far exceeding rail fares or a large public subsidy.

We believe the options for a tourist service are much more attractive as an independent operator would not require new capital outlays for vessels or infrastructure and there would be no need for any long leases over community foreshore land.

We are aware independent vessel operators have expressed an interest in such an operation utilising Ferry Rd wharf.

Such a tourist ferry operation would require the current wharf be updated, which would enable full community access to the Ettalong foreshore - a win-win situation.

An updated Ferry Rd wharf would also provide an emergency option for F3/Rail disasters- allowing commuters to access the Central Coast from either Sydney or Palm Beach.

We look forward to Council looking at the opportunity to provide an alternative transport link to Sydney when this matter is revisited in the next six months.

We believe subsidies, long-term leases over community foreshore land and unrealistic commuter expectations should be avoided when this matter is reviewed.

Sheelagh Noonan Umina Beach