Manly locals have successfully saved the iconic Freshwater-class ferries, ensuring three of the vessels will stay in service with plans for electric replacements by 2030.
After years of community efforts, the much-loved Freshwater-class ferries — Narrabeen, Queenscliff, and Freshwater — will continue to serve passengers on the Manly to Circular Quay route.
The decision comes as part of a wider plan to maintain these ferries for several more years, while introducing electric “lookalike” ferries by 2030 to modernise the fleet and reduce emissions.
However, one ferry, the Collaroy, will not return to service due to high maintenance costs and technical design issues. Instead, it will be retired, with discussions underway about its future use.
The local Manly community, including the Save The Manly Ferries Committee, played a central role in advocating for the retention of the ferries. The group rallied for four years, gathering public support and pushing for the preservation of the larger Freshwater vessels, which have been an integral part of Manly’s transport heritage.
Cr Cindy Bingham stated that the decision to keep the ferries operating, followed by their eventual replacement with electric versions, reflects the community’s strong attachment to these vessels. She noted that the committee even proposed their own design for an electric ferry replacement, aimed at maintaining the same size and capacity as the existing Freshwater-class boats while transitioning to cleaner technology.
Despite the success in saving the ferries for the immediate future, some community members still need to be more concerned about retiring the ferries by 2030. Residents need to stay engaged in the process and make sure their voices are heard as details about the new electric ferries emerge.
The community remains keen to ensure that the replacement vessels retain the essence of the current Freshwater ferries, which are known for their size and ability to accommodate large numbers of commuters and tourists. The proposed electric ferries will be slightly shorter to fit in the local dry dock but will feature modern upgrades, including a sun deck for passengers to enjoy during their trip.
Published 26-Sept-2024
