What the Papers Say About our Ferries

Everybody knows the Manly ferries - they are Sydney Harbour icons.  So it's no surprise there has been widespread media coverage of our campaign to save the Freshwater fleet. 

SMH 20/03/21:  Transport Minister Andrew Constance acknowledges electric power is the future of our transport network.  

"Minister plugs electric ferries as network on greener route

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance says the next crop of harbour ferries may be battery-powered after Sydney’s first locally-made electric buses rolled into service.
Inspecting the new bus, which was assembled in western Sydney, Mr Constance said the state needed to work fast to convert the transport network from diesel and gas to electric.  ... more here "

We've been calling for this for future ferries, but we also want the existing Freshwaters to be converted to electric power.  This was endorsed by Manly State MP James Griffin and Warringah Federal MP Zali Steggall.  

"...But Ms Steggall told the Herald she had supported keeping the ferries “until they can be upgraded to being powered by lower emissions’ technology”.
“The Freshwater class ferries are important to the local economy and tourism and should not be replaced by smaller ferries that hold less passengers and do not dramatically reduce emissions,” she said."


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Manly local Evelyn Shervington, who features in our video about accessibility has penned this letter to the SMH 22/03/21.
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After reading Minister Constance comments above, he  asks why would we buy brand-new DIESEL powered ferries and lock in  20 more years of diesel fumes and carbon emissions,  when we could start converting the ferries we already have to clean electric power right now?
 
Good question. 

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We've had lots of support from the Manly Daily.  Here's the latest

Manly Daily
Julie Cross
March 12, 2021

Manly ferry campaign: How you can help save the vessels
The Save Manly Ferries campaigners are launching two last events before the matter is debated in parliament. Here’s what you can do.
The Save Manly Ferries group is stepping up its campaign in the run up to a debate in NSW parliament due at the end of the month.

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People are interested everywhere.
Here's The Weekly Times, on Wed March 3.  It's based in Ryde and covers Sydhey's North West - home to several MPs in marginal seats. ​

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And the Yass Tribune, March 8 2021, featuring Manly local Evelyn Shervington.  The wheelchair-user says the existing Freshwater ferries provide wonderfully easy access for everyone, and he loves using them. The new Emerald class though are a 'nightmare'.  Read the whole article here.

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And an update in local mag - Peninsula Living on 1 March 20212.  Read it here.