Lower Portland Ferry Reinstatement Delayed Again

Hawkesbury City Council (HCC) has confirmed that the Lower Portland Ferry’s return to service has been delayed once more. The new reinstatement date is now set for Monday, June 17, 2024.

“Poor weather over the past three weeks has delayed the completion of works on the Lower Portland Ferry,” HCC announced in a Facebook post.

Commuters have been without the ferry for over five months, relying on alternative routes as no replacement ferry has been provided during routine maintenance. The ferry has been a longstanding issue for the council. In April, the NSW Government announced it would take over the service following months of mismanagement.

Commuters will have to continue to use alternate routes.

Last year, HCC failed to issue a new tender for a contract to operate the ferry after the previous one ended. They also neglected to plan for essential maintenance required to keep the ferry running beyond April 2024 and did not arrange for a replacement ferry during maintenance.

The free car ferry, crossing the Hawkesbury River, is crucial for commuters, tourists, and emergency services. It facilitates access for firefighters and paramedics to communities and offers a safe and convenient passage for residents. The ferry handles about 500 vehicular trips each week, saving locals more than half an hour of travel time, with the nearest alternate crossing at Sackville.