Jetcats

Don’t Scratch the Cat!

What’s going on?

The high speed ferry service from Manly to the City is under threat!

The first High Speed ferry service between Manly and Circular Quay in the city began in 1964 with the Hydrofoil aptly named "Manly". A more regular two boat service commenced at 5.05 pm on the 11th November 1966 with the entry to service of the second Hydrofoil "Fairlight".

For over 40 years, the people of Manly and the NorthernBeaches have been provided with the option of a high speed service to the city. The current fleet of JetCat vessels were acquired by Sydney Ferries 18 years ago - The “Blue Fin” and the “Sir David Martin” in 1990 and the “Sea Eagle” in 1991. They each have a capacity to seat 268 passengers and travel at a speed of 30 knots, making the trip to Circular Quay in under 20 minutes. The service is used by a range of passengers – from commuters in the morning peak hour, to those meeting friends for dinner or coming home from an event in the city.

In 2007 following a number of adverse incidents with the Sydney Ferries corporation in general, the NSW Government instigated the “Walker inquiry”. Amongst the recommendations handed down by that enquiry was the proposal that “…the high speed JetCat service to Manly be discontinued”. More disturbing was the Government’s official response that it was “considering this recommendation in light of the mini-budget process. A decision will be announced in November, 2008”

The NSW mini-budget is due to be handed down on Tuesday November 11^th, exactly 42 years to the day since the second hydrofoil commenced its operations from Manly to Circular Quay. There is widespread speculation that the Government will use this process to scrap the JetCat service on the grounds that it is loosing money. Along with the Parramatta River Cat service, they are subsidised by the State Government to the tune of approximately $10 million per year.

Media reports indicate that the Government is considering two options for the Manly JetCat, including axing it altogether or turning it into an exclusive premium service with significant increases in fares.

However, the Government's steering committee investigating privatisation options for Sydney Ferries has committed to ultimately returning it to a single ferry service. "In the case of JetCat, the steering committee agrees with the inquiry's findings that retention of the subsidised JetCat service cannot be justified and that the Government should move toward a single Manly service provided by a single class of vessel."

It appears that all will be revealed on November 11^th.

What can you do?

As our community grows and evolves, it’s important that people have a range of choices and options, particularly when it comes to transport. At a time when governments at all levels should be encouraging the use of public transport, the NSW State Government is actively cutting back services or making it harder for people to access them. At the same time, we are still yet to be provided with a viable solution for the SpitBridge congestion. The harbour crossing should be promoted as an efficient, reliable and cost effective option – with both a regular ferry service and a high speed option. Manly Council’s position is clear – that there is a demand for both services and that scrapping either the regular service or the high speed service will simply increase congestion elsewhere.

Send the NSW State Government a clear message that the community of Manly and the NorthernBeaches won’t be neglected when it comes to public transport options.

Sign our petition – volunteers will be at the Wharf asking you to sign the petition to save the JetCat service. The petition is also available at the following locations:

· Manly Council Chambers, 1 Belgrave Street Manly (opposite Manly Wharf)

· Manly Library, 1 Market Place Manly

· Manly Visitors Information Centre, located in the forecourt at Manly Wharf

Write to the State Transport Minister, Mr David Campbell MP

david@campbell.minister.nsw.gov.au

Write to the State Member for Manly, Mr Mike Baird MP

manly@parliament.nsw.gov.au

If you would like to help with the campaign, please contact Council staff on 9976 1473

Search Manly Council Web Site

Jetcats

See you on the JetCat!