Car ferry planning not our problem, they say

BASS Coast Shire Council has announced it will not be completing a $200,000 feasibility study to investigate the suitability of the Cowes Jetty as a docking point for a car ferry.

In a statement from Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan, the shire said it believes for the project to be successful the state government is, “best placed to lead any future work on this project, including this feasibility study”.

“We consider Local Government Authorities as stakeholders in any future development of the Cowes to Stony Point Ferry project,” Cr Whelan said.

“The Cowes to Stony Point ferry project obtained funding through the State Government’s Enabling Tourism Fund Targeted Round.

“Our formal position on the project is ‘in principle support’ for a car ferry between Cowes and Stony Point.”

Council, along with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and the state government had prepared a Business Case in 2018 to determine the cost, requirements and viability of a car ferry between Cowes and Stony Point.

Council supported a car ferry in principle.

Council deferred consideration of the Full Business Case until a comprehensive investigation could be undertaken, as to whether the Cowes Jetty is a more suitable than the Mussel Rocks location proposed in the Business Case.

Council received the $200,000 funding last year to complete the study, which would have included assessments of the implications on the Jetty Triangle, detailed traffic and parking impact assessment.

The results of the study were to be used by the state government to consider the viability of the project.