The Portarlington-Docklands ferry will run for at least another 12 months after the state government extended its support for the service.
Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll announced on Tuesday August 8 that it tipped in $2.55 million to extend the service.
Launched in May 2017, in the last 12 months the service has returned to its pre-COVID peak attracting almost 110,000 users, with a high of more than 15,000 passengers in January 2023.
Works completed at Portarlington last year include all-weather access from the foreshore to the ferry service, a strengthened pier head to enable vehicle access for the aquaculture industry and emergency responses and a new accessible low landing for improved water access.
“We’re backing regional tourism and local communities by investing in better transport links and cheaper travel through initiatives like our regional fare cap on V/Line services and through our support for the Portarlington ferry service,” Mr Carroll said.
“The ferry to the Bellarine Peninsula provides another convenient transport alternative for the tens of thousands of visitors and locals accessing the service whether for work or holidays.”
”This is a great outcome for the Bellarine,” Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said.
“The Portarlington ferry is a wonderful experience and an important transport link for locals and visitors.
”The ferry offers a gateway to our amazing peninsula and strengthens tourism for our region, while also providing locals with a transport alternative to travel to and from Melbourne.”
Since 2014, the government has also invested more than $37 million in the Portarlington Harbour including through the Piers and Jetties stimulus package.
