<< Peninsula New 26 February 2007 - Commuter ferry must be shown viable >>

Commuter ferry must be shown viable

In considering a commuter fast ferry service from Ettalong to Sydney, financial viability is of paramount importance.

Fast Ships were offered State Government support in 2002/3 but did not find financial backing for the project.

I believe a major factor would be because fares would have to be prohibitive.

Estimates show adequate financial returns on a $30m project require high fare levels.

While the prospect of a commuter ferry service is appealing, high fare levels are unlikely to attract sufficient commuter traffic.

The community does not want a repeat of the Port Macquarie example quoted by Susan Dean in the last edition of Peninsula News - a wharf and no commuter ferry service.

It is essential Gosford Council only allows construction of the wharf to proceed subject to pre-conditions that satisfy it that a financially viable commuter ferry service is possible.

Michael Gillian Ettalong Beach