Ettalong ferry service may not resume for weeks
Resumption of the Palm Beach ferry service to Ettalong and Wagstaffe may be weeks away, according to ferry operator Fantasea Palm Beach Ferries.
"We are looking to resume services within the coming weeks and will post an update once we can confirm a start date," the company stated last Friday, September 29.
"Palm Beach Ferries is working with Transport for NSW to resume services back to Ettalong and Wagstaffe.
"More critical analysis of the channel and operational controls by Palm Beach Ferries are currently taking place."
Earlier hopes to have the ferry operating from Ettalong in the week leading up to the long weekend or even from tomorrow were dashed when operator Fantasea stated on its website: "Due to shifting sand bars in the Ettalong Channel, our Central Coast service from Palm Beach will keep operating to Patonga, until further notice.
"We will not be operating services as of Monday, September 25, back to Ettalong or Wagstaffe.
"More critical analysis of the channel needs to be made if our vessels can safely operate on a regular basis within the channel."
Earlier Ms Tesch announced that dredging of the Ettalong Channel had been completed, six weeks ahead of schedule.
"Hydrographic studies have confirmed that emergency dredging works have been completed, removing 30,000 cubic metres of sand from the channel, with ferry operations safe to resume as soon as ferry operators complete necessary compliance checks and crew training.
"The channel has now reopened for all vessels across recreation and business.
"I look forward to working alongside Minister Haylen and Transport for NSW to create a 10-year plan for future dredging projects, including options for future dredging campaigns to place sand in areas along the Ettalong foreshore."
SOURCE:
Social media, 29 Sep 2023
Fantasea Palm Beach Ferries
Media release, 21 Sep 2023
Media statement, 29 Sep 2023
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford