The Greater Hobart Mayors, in partnership with the Tasmanian Government, are continuing to progress the Derwent River Ferry Expansion Project, with planning and approval processes advancing for proposed new ferry terminals at Sandy Bay, Lindisfarne and Glenorchy.
The project aims to expand ferry services across the River Derwent, improving transport connectivity and providing Greater Hobart residents with more sustainable travel options.
Sandy Bay terminal progressing through approvals
The proposed Sandy Bay ferry terminal at Lords Beach is continuing to move through a number of planning and environmental assessment processes.
The City of Hobart is supporting the assessment process being undertaken under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999, which is currently considering the proposed marine site and ferry service operations.
At the same time, the City has lodged a planning scheme amendment and development application under Tasmania's planning system. Both applications will be considered by the City's Planning Authority Committee before being publicly exhibited for a period of 28 days.
The development application includes a number of supporting reports including a traffic and parking impact assessment of the proposed terminal at Lords Beach.
During the exhibition period, community members will be able to make representations on both the proposed scheme amendment and the development application. These representations will be considered by the Hobart City Council Planning Authority Committee before the end of the year.
The applications along with the representations and the Council's views of the merits of the representations are then assessed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
This process may also include public hearings, where representors will have the opportunity to present evidence previously provided.
Subject to all necessary approvals being obtained, construction is expected to commence thereafter, with the Sandy Bay terminal remaining on track for delivery by mid-2028.
The Derwent River Ferry Expansion Project is supported by $20 million in Australian Government funding under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program, together with contributions from the Tasmanian Government and Greater Hobart councils.
Status update on Glenorchy and Lindisfarne terminals
The proposed terminals at Wilkinson's Point, Glenorchy, and Natone Street, Lindisfarne, are also progressing through the planning process, with development applications now lodged.
Subject to the necessary approvals being obtained, construction of the Glenorchy and Lindisfarne terminals are expected to be completed by mid to late 2027.
Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:
"The ferry expansion project is about giving people more transport choices and creating a faster, more convenient way to travel around Greater Hobart.
"While planning and environmental processes take time, it's important that we get these projects right. We're committed to ensuring the Sandy Bay proposal is thoroughly assessed, including its environmental, traffic and community impacts.
"Community feedback continues to play an important role in shaping these projects, and we encourage residents to have their say when the Sandy Bay planning proposal is publicly exhibited.
"An expanded ferry network will help reduce pressure on our roads, improve connections between communities and provide a more sustainable transport option for the future."
