Geelong-Melbourne ferry backed for three years

THE state government has backed a regular ferry between central Geelong and Melbourne for the next three years, with services expected to start early next year.

The state government will put $6 million towards the project, and Port Phillip Ferries will order a high-speed ferry to deliver the new services.

Premier Daniel Andrews’ announcement of the funding comes only weeks after Port Philip Ferries ran two highly successful days of free trial services from the Geelong waterfront to Victoria Harbour at Docklands.

Port Philip Ferries also operates the Portarlington-Melbourne ferry, which attracts more than 6,000 people a month and twice this figure during the peak summer season.

“A ferry service between Geelong and Melbourne doesn’t just benefit commuters, it’s a major boost for tourism to our second biggest city,” Mr Andrews said last week.

“Victorians are getting on board – 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.”

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said the ferry service to Portarlington was the fulfilment of a Labor election commitment.

“This builds on that service and gives Geelong commuters and tourists that alternative travel option they need.”

Port Phillip Ferries owner Paul Little said he was thrilled to confirm the Geelong-Melbourne ferry had been given the green light.

“My vision for Port Phillip Ferries has always been about making ferry travel accessible to as many Victorians as possible. This takes us one step closer to that vision.”