Bruny Island ferry passengers endured “extensive and excessive” waits on Sunday as high winds forced ferry cancellations, prompting renewed calls for the service to be re-tendered.
Local MP David O’Byrne said he had been hearing reports and seeing vision of lengthy queues at the terminal as frustrated travellers waited to leave the island.
“The waits are extensive and excessive,” he said.
SeaLink suspended services throughout the day due to challenging weather conditions.
It announced late in the afternoon that ferries had recommenced, with continued monitoring planned.
“We appreciate your patience as our experienced crew deal with challenging conditions and decisions made in the best interest of safety for our passengers, crew and vessels,” SeaLink said.
O’Byrne praised SeaLink staff for working to clear the backlog but said the disruption highlighted fundamental problems with the ferry contract.
“The crew and staff at Sealink are doing their very best to get people off the island as quickly as they can,” he said.
“The wind has played havoc with the service, you cannot help bad weather.”
However, he argued the current vessels were not fit for purpose.
“But what this does is further highlight the terrible decision to award the ferry contract to a company with vessels that, whilst being well made, are simply not able to handle all conditions,” he said.
“The previous ferry, the Miranbeena had no such weather related issues.”
“I said this in 2018 and I will say it again, the island deserves better. This service needs to be re-tendered,” he said.
