Historic ferry on chopping block says MP

By Tim Howard

Ulmarra residents fear their iconic river ferry could be on the chopping block due to maintenance failures that have been causing daily disruptions to the service.

Residents have been invited to a public meeting in Bailey Park on Monday to take the opportunity to voice opposition to the idea. The meeting will begin at noon and residents are encourage to take part and send a message to the NSW Government that they want to keep their ferry.

Ulmarra resident John Leask said in recent weeks disturbing rumours have emerged that the ferry could shut down, because it grounded on the river bottom at low tide.

Mr Leask said this has resulted in the ferry going off line at least twice a day and making it unreliable for local users.

“It’s come about now that the local member (Member for Clarence Richie Williamson) has got a petition out there for people to sign to keep the ferry going,” Mr Leask said.

Mr Williamson said the NSW Government continued to cut regional services and the Ulmarra Ferry would fit right into that target range.

“Shutting down our historic ferry service would have major consequences for Clarence Valley

residents,” Mr Williamson said.

“It would turn a return trip between Southgate and Ulmarra from 4km to 60km.

“This extra mileage, time, and cost will be devastating for the many families and small business operators who use this service.”

Mr Leask said locals there were other developments which led residents to believe the ferry could be in danger.

“A big punt from Boral used to come up with excavators on it and dredge the sand out from where the ferry would ground out,” he said.

“It was a big bit of gear, you couldn’t miss it and we use to see it come up here regularly, but couldn’t remember the last time I saw it here.”

Maintenance issues could result in the Ulmarra Ferry service being cancelled claims the Member for Clarence Richie Williamson.

Boral quarry manager Brad Doyle said he didn’t know anything about the matter.

Mr Leask said losing the ferry would be a blow to the Ulmarra community as it was an important part of the village’s identity as a river port.

“Having boats and a ferry is an important part of our history and identity,” he said.

“People come here and one of the first things they ask is ‘where’s the ferry?’”

Mr Leask said the ferry was important for local businesses.

“A lot of people from the other side of the river catch the ferry over to go to the pub, or come to the visit the cafes and art gallery,” he said.

“For people who work at the new jail the ferry means a 10 minute trip across the river, then a quick drive to work instead of a 30 minute drive back through Grafton.”

Mr Williamson said he put a Question on Notice to the NSW Minister for Regional Transport

and Roads Jenny Aitchison questions in Parliament this week about the Government’s intention

regarding the ferry service and will be interested in her response.

“I have it on good authority that the Government is considering a proposal from its Sydney bean

counters to shut down this essential and long-held link between Southgate and Ulmarra, which

has served the community well for so many years,” Mr Williamson said.

Mr Williamson encouraged locals who back the retention of the ferry to email him at

clarence@parliament.nsw.gov.au.

“The more support I can get from the local community, the better the chances of convincing the

Government not to make this cruel decision,” Mr Williamson said.

Transport for NSW, which operates the ferry service through a local private contractor, has been contacted for comment.

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