Tesch welcomes free shuttle bus

Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford, has welcomed the commencement of a free shuttle bus between Ettalong and Patonga Wharfs. From Monday 19 June 2023, while ferry diversion timetables are in place, the shuttle service will assist local ferry passengers reach their destination.

21 June 2023

 

FERRY services from Ettalong Beach Wharf have been diverted due to shifting sand bars in the Ettalong Channel. The closure of these services continues to hurt the local community, many rely on the channel to access work and school, as well as essential services.

 

Due to the impact of the shifting sand bars in the Ettalong Channel, local ferry services at Ettalong and Wagstaffe was suspended, with services currently terminating at Patonga.

 

This shuttle bus will run between Ettalong and Patonga Wharfs, assisting ferry passengers during peak travel times, leaving approximately 35 minutes before the ferry departure time from Patonga Wharf.

 

Ms Tesch has commended Transport for NSW’s (TfNSW) introduction of this service that will assist community members access a vital public transport route.

 

“I have spoken to community members across the Central Coast who face ongoing uncertainty in planning their lives due to the impact of dredging on ferry services,” Ms Tesch said.

 

“This shuttle bus service, which has not been provided in the past, is a proactive solution to our communities transport needs, while work for a comprehensive dredging plan takes place.”

 

The closure of the ferry services was extremely disruptive to workers and school students due to the limited public transport to and from Patonga. As a result, people were unable to get to work or school unless they had a car.

 

Since engaging with Minister Haylen’s office, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has indicated dredging is planned for October this year. The aim is to remove 10,000m3 of sand from two areas – south of the Half Tide Rocks and south of the Sand Spit – subject to obtaining the necessary Crown Lands licence and environmental approvals.

 

The Maritime Infrastructure Delivery Office (MIDO) is actively progressing planning works for the October dredging. They have engaged an expert consultant to assist in preparing the required environmental approval for the first stage.

 

MIDO will also begin to engage with potential dredging contactors to ensure work can begin as soon as possible after approval is granted.

 

TfNSW is investigating ways to provide for maintenance dredging of the entire channel over a period of ten years, to reduce periods of disruption caused by the build-up of sand. Locals are all too aware that dredging of the channel has been an ongoing issue.

 

In 2018 and 2019 the lack of dredging led to the cancellation of the local ferry service for extended periods of time, and whilst the NSW Liberal Government in 2021 announced they would take responsibility in maintaining the Ettalong Channel, effective dredging has yet to be implemented.

 

The need for dredging is unpredictable, impacted by Mother Nature, severe weather events and the day-to-day movement of the ocean ecosystem. An effective and ongoing dredging program is needed to address the issue.

 

Ms Tesch has committed to working with TfNSW to implement this program, after years of inaction under the previous NSW Liberal Government.

 

“I am in daily communication with Transport for NSW representatives to ensure that our community is taken care of while environmental planning takes place and I will continue to advocate for a long-term solution to this issue,” said Ms Tesch.

 

“I thank Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, and Transport for NSW for their proactive approach, which has seen this shuttle bus introduced for the first time, despite years of ongoing disruptions."

 

A shuttle ferry service for Wagstaffe passengers to meet the shuttle bus at Ettalong Wharf will also be available soon.

 

For more information on the free shuttle bus service and to keep up to date with timetable changes, visit Transport NSW.