The Tasmanian Government committed to building a $7 million ferry terminal at Sandy Bay without developing a formal business case, newly released right to information documents have revealed.
Shadow Minister for Transport, Meg Brown, has criticised the government for failing to conduct proper cost, benefit and risk analysis of the facility planned for construction opposite Waimea Ave near Wrest Point.
“Labor strongly supports expanding the ferries, however it’s surprising the Tasmanian Liberal Government haven’t done the work and produced a business case,” Brown said.
“This is a minority Liberal government that was responsible for the biggest infrastructure stuff up in Tasmania’s history with the new Spirits project.”
“With no business case behind such a big spend here, it appears they haven’t learned their lesson.”
The terminal forms part of a larger $20 million commitment to build three new ferry terminals at Sandy Bay, Lindisfarne and Wilkinsons Point, as outlined in the River Derwent Ferry Service Masterplan.
The project was originally slated for Wrest Point but was relocated to nearby Lords Beach last December after opposition from Gambling giant Federal Group.
The casino operator claimed Wrest Point patrons would be disadvantaged by ferry users potentially taking up parking spaces on the premises.
Concept designs for the Sandy Bay terminal include a kiosk, toilets, bike storage and charging infrastructure for e-bikes and e-scooters.
The government has defended its decision, with a spokesperson saying they remain committed to building the Sandy Bay ferry terminal and bringing down travel times for commuters.
“A ferry terminal in Sandy Bay aligns with the vision of the Greater Hobart Strategic Partnership and is among the top six priority locations identified within the Draft River Derwent Ferry Service Masterplan,” the spokesperson said.
“The construction of new ferry facilities will also create hundreds of jobs during construction, as well as ongoing operational roles.”
