Why proceed with ferry terminal?

I am wondering why Gosford Council has decided to proceed with agreement with Fast Ships "to construct a wharf and ferry terminal"?

As I understood the situation, an environmental impact study has already been completed, confirming that it is not viable to have a fast ferry service to Ettalong.

The Peninsula Urban Directions Strategy has already stated that it is unlikely to provide a significant commuter service, so why is the council pursuing this issue?

Council appears remiss here in assuming that, if the project fails, council will have a "terminal that could be used for the benefit of the public in providing alternative transport to the Sydney CBD".

Two problems, council.

The developer is, I understand, applying for a 50-year lease here and the original premise for granting Fast Ships consideration was the provision of a "commuter service" to the Sydney CBD, not simply "alternative transport".

In the six years since first promoting this scheme, the highly-professional Fast Ships has not been able to find a backer.

Why does the council think it may be able to?

M Butler, Umina