PARKS Victoria is looking for an experienced operator to operate a year-round barge transport service to French Island using the landing site at Point Leschenault Jetty.
Spirit of French Island which currently operates the barge from Corinella on the eastern side of Western Port to French Island is looking to continue the service.
“The Spirit of French Island has been the French Island barge for just on 20 years,” said Manager and Skipper for six years Brad Thomas.
“Cherry Easy owns it and loves the place,” said Brad.
“One of a kind, Cherry was raised on French Island as a boy.
“He’s very environmentally conscious.”
Two and half times larger than Phillip Island French Island is 75% National Park.
Accommodating two standard size cars, or a larger truck the Spirit of French Island barge also takes foot passengers but visitors to French Island are advised to arrange transportation at the other end as there are limited facilities once you land.
Calling for an Expression of Interest (EOI) Parks Victoria is seeking a high-quality barge operator with the vision and the capacity to continue the delivery of a year-round barge service using the barge landing site at Point Leschenault Jetty for berthing, and the loading and unloading of vehicles, plant and equipment.
The Point Leschenault Jetty landing site at French Island has been described as a rare berthing opportunity with a barge licence offered for between 3 to 10 years up to 2035.
The successful applicant will be invited to enter discussions with the Corinella Foreshore Reserve Committee of Management for the issuing of a barge berthing and landing licence over the eastern landing site at Corinella.
The successful applicant will be responsible for all costs associated with any capital works and the ongoing maintenance and operation of the berthing area.
A compliant EOI response is required for the proposed use of the berthing site at Point Leschenault Jetty including the loading and unloading of vehicles, plant and equipment, and ancillary uses reasonable to the operation of a vehicular barge.
Acting Commercial Director of Parks Victoria Elise Armitage said it was the first time the licence has been offered competitively in more than 10 years.
The current barge crew is well regarded in the local community according to Brad.
“To provide a service for all those years without fault is a true testament to those who make it possible.”
For more information on the Expressions of Interest for the French Island Barge go to parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/lease-and-licence-opportunities.
For more information about fees or to book the Spirit of French Island barge call 0428 880 729 or go to French Island Barge on Facebook.
To enquire about visiting French Island go to the Parks Victoria website at parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/french-island-national-park