Three-year campaign by locals pays off
Save The Manly Ferry Alliance has won a three-year fight to retain three of the four large Manly Ferries, with the State Government announcing they will return to service this summer.
Under the previous government’s plans, only the Freshwater Ferry was to remain. But major issues with the replacement second-generation Emerald-Class ferries have meant that only the Queenscliff has been retired.
Northern Beaches Councillor Candy Bingham is Chair of the Save the Manly Ferry Alliance. Ms Bingham said the Alliance had worked ‘tirelessly’ to keep the campaign ‘front and centre’ by organising protests and presenting a 22,000 signature petition to State Parliament.
“Our iconic Manly ferries are treasured not just by locals, but also tourists,” Ms Bingham said.
“There is no doubt that the Emerald 11 ferries, which were built in China, have not been suitable for the route. Besides major ongoing steering and engine issues, the smaller ferry simply cannot handle the swell crossing The Heads.”
Ms Bingham added: “The Alliance will continue to work with the NSW Government with the view of promoting a fully-electric look-alive Freshwater Ferry, built in Australia, as the most suitable replacement option for these majestic ferries.”
In the meantime, the 20-minute service introduced with the Emerald-Class ferries has proven popular with commuters. A new contract awarded to the NRMA for its Manly Fast Ferry will now operate a service every 10 minutes from Manly to Circular Quay and return, during peak hours Monday to Friday.
With thanks to Cr Candy Bingham.