The Victorian Government will invest $6 million to fund a trail of a ferry service between Geelong and Melbourne which will start in early 2019.
The new ferry trial follows the successful delivery of Labor’s election commitment that has seen a ferry operate between Portarlington and Docklands.
Over 6,000 people a month have used the Portarlington Ferry Service, providing a new alternative way to get to the city, with this figure doubling during the peak summer season.
This funding certainty means that Port Phillip Ferries can now get on with ordering the state-of-the art high speed ferry needed to deliver these new services.
This is in addition to the $15 million Portarlington Safe Harbour development which was completed in February this year, supporting the Bellarine Peninsula’s growing aquaculture industry and helping boost tourism.
Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, said a ferry service between Geelong and Melbourne doesn’t just benefit commuters – it’s also a major boost for tourism.
“Victorians are getting onboard – we’ve seen a take up of 6,000 passengers a month on the Portarlington to Docklands ferry – now Geelong locals will have another transport option,” Mr Andrews said.
A member for Geelong, Chris Couzens, said, “This is great news for Geelong and continues our work to give locals and tourists the transport services they need. This is about jobs and ensuring Geelong remains a great place to live and work.”
Port Phillip Ferries Owner, Paul Little, said, “We are thrilled to confirm that the Geelong to Melbourne ferry service has been given the green light by the State Government of Victoria. My vision for Port Phillip Ferries has always been about making ferry travel accessible to as many Victorian’s as possible. This takes us one step closer to that vision.”
