The Hon. David Campbell
Minister for Transport
Level 35, Governor Macquarie Tower
1 Farrer Place
SYDNEY NSW 2000

Tuesday 18 November 2008

Dear Minister

I write to express the Manly community’s disappointment in the NSW Government’s decision to cancel the JetCats without providing an alternative fast ferry service.

Manly has had a fast ferry service since 1962 – it is part of our rich history.  I am sure you are aware from the hundreds of emails sent to your office and the thousands that have signed the petition, that the fast ferries are as much a part of Manly as express train services are to many other communities.

However despite the Government’s announcement, the Manly community has not stood still.  Since I spoke to you in Parliament a couple of weeks ago, we have established a Fix Our Ferries Group, which is genuinely representative of community interests, has significant expertise and represents all parts of the political spectrum.  In short it is a group of residents who love Manly and want to support public transport.

The objectives of the Fix Our Ferries Group are threefold:

• Ensure a temporary fast ferry service is established by 1 January 2009;

• Immediately seek support to open for tender the fast ferry service from Manly to Circular Quay;

• Provide a conduit to Sydney Ferries and any future operators on the views, concerns and inputs of Manly commuters, noting the Manly service is almost 50% of Sydney Ferries’ operation.

We are writing to many stakeholders impacted by this decision, including Sydney Ferries, NSW Maritime, Tourism NSW and the Ministry of Transport, seeking formal engagement in this process and our committee.

We seek a representative from your staff to either attend a meeting of the Fix Our Ferries Group or to engage formally in helping with the outcomes, such as allowing access to wharf infrastructure for any new operators.  All we are asking for is that existing public transport be retained and believe private sector options are available to achieve this aim.

I am sure you’ll agree a million additional car trips on the Spit corridor each year is beyond comprehension.  We seek your urgent attention for an interim service given the time pressures upon us, and your support for the continuation of a fast ferry service for Manly commuters.

Yours sincerely

 
Mike Baird
Member for Manly
 

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