Popular ferry secures future state funding

THE Portarlington Ferry is set to sail on, following the state government extending its support of the popular service for another 12 months.

Minister for Public Transport, Ben Carroll annnounced he Victorian government’s $2.55 million funding of the Port Phillip Ferries route last week.

The move is slated to provide a huge boost to the tourism industry and local commuters between Portarlington and Docklands.

Regular travellers can continue to get access to weekday services to the city an an alternative to road or rail travel, while day trippers and local businesses will also welcome access to the service throughout busy summer months as tourists flock to the Bellarine Peninsula.

Mr Carroll said the government was proud to be continuing their support of the service.

“We’re backing regional tourism and local communities by investing in better transport links and cheaper travel through initiatives like our regional fare cap on V/Line services and through our support for the Portarlington ferry service.

“The ferry to the Bellarine Peninsula provides another convenient transport alternative for the tens of thousands of visitors and locals accessing the service whether for work or holidays.”

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said it was a great outcome for the Bellarine community.

“The Portarlington Ferry is a wonderful experience and an important transport link for locals and visitors.

“The ferry offers a gateway to our amazing Peninsula and strengthens tourism for our region, while also providing locals with a transport alternative to travel to and from Melbourne.”

Launched in 2017, the Port Phillip Ferries Portarlington to Dockland service has returned to its pre-COVID peak in the past 12 months and attracted close to 110,000 users.