Manly commuters have an opportunity to influence the overhaul of the ferry service when Transport Minister John Watkins attends a public forum on Thursday hosted by Manly MP Mike Baird.

“The Government is due to implement recommendations from the ferry inquiry so I asked Mr Watkins to come to Manly to hear commuters’ views on those recommendations before any changes are made,” Mr Baird said.

“It is rare to be given the chance to engage directly with a Minister who is about to make a major decision with significant community impact and I really urge people to come along.”

Mr Baird said the Walker Inquiry into Sydney Ferries made several recommendations that Manly commuters need to think about prior to the forum.

“The most significant proposition is that the Jetcats and Freshwater fleet be replaced with a single vessel that runs every 20 minutes during peak and takes 20 minutes to do the trip.

“I want to hear what people think about this. So far a poll through my website indicates the majority are supportive if the travel time does not exceed 20 minutes. However, I know people are also very attached to the Freshwater ferries and many believe a vessel should be retained for tourist trips.

“The inquiry also recommended the fleet be privately managed through a service contract with clear targets on reliability, customer service, maintenance and safety.

“The Auditor-General recently found Sydney Ferries failed every one of its operational targets last year, which is no surprise considering there are currently no penalties if standards aren’t met.

“I think commuters will be relieved the inquiry acknowledged the need to have better integration of public transport and will support the creation of a coordinating body to oversee buses, trains and ferries.

“This is really the final opportunity to have direct input into the future of the ferry service, which is such an iconic part of Manly, and I urge commuters to take the time to come.”

The forum will be held from 6pm-7pm on Thursday 17 January at Freshwater Senior Campus on Harbord Road. 

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