Car ferry bombshell

Bass Coast Shire has pulled out of plans to lead an investigation into the proposed Cowes to Stony Point car ferry project, in a bombshell announcement by the Mayor today.

In September last year the state government announced $200,000 funding for a feasibility study investigating the Cowes jetty as a possible location for a car ferry terminal, with Bass Coast Shire given the task of overseeing the project.

In January the shire announced they would soon appoint a consultant to lead the study.

However, in a surprise move, Mayor Michael Whelan on Thursday released a statement distancing the shire from the contentious project and reneging on the deal to oversee the study.

“Council will not be completing a feasibility study to investigate the suitability of the Cowes jetty as the docking point for a car ferry between Phillip Island and Stony Point,” the statement read. 

“We believe that for this project to be successful the state government is best placed to lead any future work on this project, including this feasibility study. We consider Local Government Authorities as stakeholders in any future development of the Cowes to Stony Point Ferry project.”

Cr Whelan explained council’s formal position was “in principle support” for a car ferry between Cowes and Stony Point, but their focus would now be on the long list of infrastructure projects promised by council.

“We maintain our commitment to the responsible delivery of public infrastructure, which is supported by our strategic ten-year capital works program that outlines key projects that will be prioritised for delivery.”

Sour?

It is not known whether Cr Whelan’s announcement will sour relations with the state government or whether the project will now be stalled, with the Advertiser awaiting a response from Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale.

The feasibility study was to include traffic and parking impact assessments, as well as an assessment to the jetty triangle, which in 2018 received a $2.5 million redevelopment.

In April 2018 Bass Coast Shire councillors voted six to three to support “in principle” a car ferry.

Councillors deferred consideration of the 2018 full business case until a “comprehensive investigation is undertaken of whether the Cowes jetty is a more suitable location for a ferry terminal”, calling on the state government to fund the investigation.

The car ferry has a tumultuous history.

The Cowes jetty was rejected as a car ferry terminal more than a decade ago, with a mooted car ferry to run between Phillip Island and Stony Point investigated as far back as 1985.

More details to come.