Labor has welcomed the NSW Government’s commitment to return the Australian made Freshwater Class Manly Ferries to weekday services on the F1 route after months of failures on the overseas built Emerald Class Ferries.
 
The government was forced to return the Freshwaters to weekday service thanks to the strong campaign run by members of the Northern Beaches community, passengers across Sydney and by workers and their unions.
 
Labor will continue to push for as many Freshwater Class vessels as possible to run on the F1 route. The Australian made Freshwater Class ensures a reliable Manly Ferry service and the vessels have years of life left in them.
 
Jo Haylen, NSW Shadow Minister for Transport said:
 
“It’s a good sign that the government has finally listened to the community on the Northern Beaches and to the travelling public. Australian built Freshwater Class Manly Ferries are the best vessels for the job when it comes to crossing the harbour.
 
“But this is also an admission of failure. The overseas built Emerald Class 2 ferries just can’t deliver. They run into trouble when the swell is high and are plagued by serious maintenance issues.
 
“The government’s own asset management plans show that the Freshwaters will last until the end of the decade. We should be getting as much value out of these vessels as possible, not letting them rust at Cockatoo Island.
 
“There will be massive demand on the Manly service this summer. The Collaroy and the Narrabeen may not be enough on their own as we just keep on having serious issues with the Emerald 2s.
 
“The government should be trying to get as many of these iconic Australian built Freshwaters back on the run for seven days a week to meet the summer demand.”

JO HAYLEN MP
NSW SHADOW MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT