Tesch calls for submissions on ferry prices

Member for Gosford, Ms Liesl Tesch, has called on ferry passengers to make submissions to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal on how best to set fares for regular private ferry services.

She said local passengers should make their voice heard about price rises.

It is proposed that new maximum fares for ferry services on the Peninsula will apply for four years starting next year.

Central Coast Ferries, which travel from Woy Woy to Empire Bay, and Palm Beach Ferries, servicing Palm Beach, Mackerel Beach, the Basin and Ettalong to Wagstaffe, have been listed in the review.

"Local residents rely on our ferry services to get around the Coast for recreation and day trips, with more again using it to get to and from work," Ms Tesch said.

"We are lucky to live where we can reliably and cheaply get around our pristine waterways by boat, and take in all the beauty," she said.

"These price reviews are important to ensure that our local service providers are able to keep up with inflation and increasing costs on their end, but we also need to ensure that we keep prices accessible for customers."

The tribunal will take into account the cost of providing the services, efficiency in the supply of services to reduce costs for consumers and taxpayers, the social impact of price rises, the need to increase accessibility of public transport, and the quality, reliability and safety of the services.

The call for submissions and the release of an issues paper are the first steps of the public consultation process.

The tribunal lists the current maximum fare for Central Coast Ferries as $7.80, with the Palm Beach Ferries' current maximum set at $11.60.

Companies have already made their submissions, with Central Coast Ferries linking price rises to the Consumer Price Index, and Palm Beach Ferries opting for moderate increases, asking for a $1.10 increase to fares over the next three years.

After reviewing the public submissions, the tribunal will assess whether the pricing proposals from ferry companies are reasonable, and will make maximum fare determinations by the end of the year.

Submissions may be made online before August 10 at https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/Industries/Transport.

SOURCES:

Media statement and documents, 3 Jul 2017

Jenny Suh, Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal

Media release, 4 Jul 2017

Richard Mehrtens, Office of Liesl Tesch MP

Reporter: Dilon Luke