One of the icons of Sydney Harbour, the Freshwater-class ferry Narrabeen is coming back into service today following a life-enhancing refurbishment.
The Narrabeen re-enters service on the F1 Circular Quay - Manly route ahead of what is expected to be a record summer on the Harbour for ferry patronage.
The Narrabeen was earmarked for the maritime scrap heap by the former Liberal National government, but a restoration and refurbishment has given the classic Manly ferry a new lease of life that will see it operate for another five years before its next major docking.
It entered service in 1984 and was to have been the victim of Liberal Party plans to gut the Freshwater fleet to part-time duties in favour of foreign-made Emerald Class boats whose botched introduction included steering failures, cracked fuel tanks and inability to cross the Heads in large swells.
A grassroots community campaign fought hard to keep the Freshwater-class ferries from a watery grave.
The Narrabeen can carry up to 900 passengers per trip and its return will allow the Freshwater to enter dry dock at Garden Island for repairs to continue the renewal of the Freshwater-class vessels.
Restoration and refurbishment works were carried out in NSW by an expert team of shipbuilders, engineers, electricians, plumbers and painters. The upgrade included a full engine rebuild, installation of a modern control systems, hull repairs, refreshed passenger areas, and CCTV upgrades.
The Minns Labor Government invested $71 million to refurbish the Freshwater fleet.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"Labor promised to return the Freshwater class ferries to service, I am proud we're delivering on this commitment to keep an icon of Sydney on the water.
"Under the Liberals, the Narrabeen would not have been seen again in passenger service and I want to thank the community campaigners for fighting to protect our Harbour's heritage.
"This vessel is part of Sydney's history, and after a much-needed upgrade it's ready to transport thousands of passengers across the harbour this summer."
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"The Freshwater-class are part of the fabric of Sydney Harbour, and it is great to see the Narrabeen once again cutting its way to Circular Quay.
"These ferries are not just loved by Sydneysiders, a trip to Manly and back on one of them is part of so many Sydney holiday bucket lists for visitors to our city.
"Ferry patronage has been rising, and we expect the Harbour to be abuzz over the coming summer months."
