A group of locals in Lindisfarne believe there is a ‘clear winner’ among the two top sites shortlisted for the future Derwent River ferry service.
Consultants for the greater Hobart councils narrowed down five potential options earlier this year, including Rose Bay and the area underneath the Tasman Bridge, to the Lindisfarne Sailing Club and nearby Natone Street.
Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania Commodore Brian Edmonds said there is strong support for a fast ferry to Lindisfarne from the CBD, but the placement of the terminal will be critical to its success.
“The reality is that Lindisfarne Bay is one of the most popular and busiest spots on the Derwent River,” he said.
“Every day you see rowers, kayakers, dragon boaters, sailors, paddle boarders and commercial and recreational motor boat users out in the bay.”
Edmonds believes placing the terminal at the proposed Lindisfarne Sailing Club site inside Lindisfarne Bay could create a “serious safety risk for everyone”.
“A Derwent River fast ferry service to Natone Street is a safer, quicker and better option for locals,” he said.
“Regulation will require the ferry to travel at a slow speed for a long distance from when it approaches the bay, because there are so many other marine users around.”
Assessment documents back up Edmonds’ claim, finding that while the sailing club site has “strong support from the major stakeholder” there are “no existing facilities” for a ferry and 15 moorings in the bay would need to be moved.
“Ferry transit speed would be limited to 5 knots from the mouth of Lindisfarne Bay, increasing commuter travel time,” the documents read.
The Natone Street site is currently a gravel carpark and parkland that “remains largely undeveloped”, with drawback analysis suggesting it may receive opposition from “foreshore residents”.
“The site is generally well protected from prevailing N-NW winds and provides ease of vessel access in and out of the terminal as opposed to inner Lindisfarne which requires passing MYCT and through mooring with restricted vessel speeds,” the documents read.
The Clarence City Council says community and key stakeholder feedback from the consultation period, along with expert analysis, will determine the final site.
Other terminals in Sandy Bay and Wilkinsons Point are set to be added to the ferry network in coming years.
