Controversial ferry changes canned after community backlash
Controversial changes to Sydney’s ferry services have been scrapped by the NSW government after a backlash to the plan from local communities and one of its own Liberal MPs.
The move to terminate all Parramatta River ferries at Barangaroo instead of Circular Quay was canned by Transport Minister Andrew Constance on Monday after talks with councils and local MPs including the Liberal member for Drummoyne, John Sidoti.
A controversial change to Sydney's ferry services has been scrapped by the NSW government.Credit:Anna Kucera
Parramatta River commuters were told they would receive more frequent services under the proposed plan, but had to interchange at Balmain East Wharf to get to Circular Quay.
The proposal formed part of a wider shake-up of Sydney’s ferry service, most of which is still slated to go ahead, including a merger of the F2 Taronga Zoo and F6 Mosman Bay routes into a "one-loop route".
Ferries on the merged routes will run anti-clockwise in the morning from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo and Mosman, and then clockwise in the afternoon from 1pm, it was revealed in January.
While the status-quo will remain in place for commuters who use Parramatta River ferries, the government's promise of more frequent services on the route has been scrapped along with the unpopular interchange plan.
Mr Sidoti broke news of his own government’s backdown, celebrating the decision, which he described as a "win".
"This positive news is a direct result of our community coming together and working towards a shared goal," Mr Sidoti said in a post to Facebook.
Greens MP for Balmain Jamie Parker also welcomed the government's decision.
He said improved ferry services "should never come at the cost of direct services between the inner west, Circular Quay and the north shore".
Mr Parker urged the government to go back to the drawing board and devise an improved service for the Parramatta River that did not force people to interchange before the city.
"Our city needs transformational public transport solutions that make getting around quick and easy without forcing people to get into a car and pay a toll," he said.
The government was working to funnel commuters into Barangaroo, where 23,000 permanent employees are expected to be based once it is fully developed.