Government calls on WA industry to design Perth's newest ferries

• Expressions of Interest to open for new ferry designs and local capability
• Feedback will help inform a business case into an expanded ferry service
• Government announced plans to expand services on Swan River earlier this year
• $2 million feasibility study to expand ferry services was announced in the WA Budget

The Cook Labor Government is calling on Western Australian industry to design a new fleet of modern vessels as part of its plans to expand ferry services on the Swan River.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) process will begin tomorrow, with industry being invited to put forward designs, as the Government prepares a business case for the expanded services.

Just as the METRONET C-series trains were manufactured locally in WA, the Cook Government will ensure the expanded ferry fleet supports quality local manufacturing jobs into the future.

The EOI provides a number of parameters for the design of the new ferry fleet including:

• vessels up to 25 metres in length;
• a minimum of 130 seats, including 40-50 external seats;
• passenger toilet facilities;
• bike storage; and
• options for electric powered vessels.

The Cook Government also announced its plan to expand ferry services would be rolled out in a number of phases to ensure services remained sustainable as new ferries were progressively manufactured.

While exact locations for new ferry stops is still to be determined, the Government is investigating options for new stops in Applecross, The University of Western Australia (serviced by a stop on the Matilda Bay foreshore), the Causeway Bridge precinct (serviced by a stop at Point Fraser), Burswood Park, Optus Stadium and Claisebrook Cove.

Other stops that would be considered as part of future expansions include Belmont, Belmont Park, Rivervale and Maylands. A stop is also being considered as part of future upgrades to Canning Bridge.

There are currently three Transperth ferries that operate between Elizabeth Quay and Mends Street Jetty in South Perth, every 15 minutes during peak hours.

The EOI for ferry design will be available from the Tenders WA website from tomorrow, closing 25 November 2024 (www.tenders.wa.gov.au).

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"As our city grows and demand for public transport increases, we need to be looking at all transport options to get people to where they need to be.

"The reality is we're seeing a significant growth in high density developments in key areas along the Swan River, with major developments planned in the future.

"This significant growth in population along the Swan River is changing the viability equation of an expanded ferry service, and our Government believes it's time for our city to take this next step.

"As part of the business case development, we're keen to see what innovative and modern ferry designs are available, and importantly, what capacity there is to manufacture the ferries right here in Western Australia.

"Feedback from the EOI will help us better understand the capability of the local vessel industry and progress next steps in planning an expanded ferry system.

"We're seeing enormous growth in the number of people using the existing ferry services. Last financial year saw record patronage on the ferries, and I have no doubt there will be huge support for an expanded service."

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