City of Parramatta pushes for changes to ferry service proposals

City of Parramatta Council is strongly urging the NSW Government to reconsider plans to cancel direct ferry services between Parramatta – Sydney’s Central River City - and Circular Quay.

Transdev Australia, which operates and maintains Sydney Ferries, has proposed a number of revisions to the F3 Parramatta River Ferry service from 2021 – including changing the line’s eastern termination point to Barangaroo.

Other proposed changes include: an hourly shuttle ferry service from Parramatta to Sydney Olympic Park (instead of Rydalmere) during peak periods; a faster, limited stop service from Sydney Olympic Park to Barangaroo; the removal of popular weekend express services into Parramatta; and 10 new Parramatta River Class ferries to replace the Charter, SuperCat and HarbourCat fleets.

“While Council supports more frequent services, we don’t support the cancellation of direct connections between Parramatta and Circular Quay and the complete removal of weekend express services,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.

“Relocating our ferry service to Barangaroo is a significant concern to Council. Circular Quay is Sydney’s central tourist and transport hub – losing that direct connection will likely impact our tourism and visitation objectives.

“The proposed plans also fail to consider the need for faster, more frequent services to support the future population, jobs growth and tourism opportunities in Parramatta as the Central River City.  

“We look forward to working with Transdev and Transport for NSW as these changes are further refined and considered by the NSW Government to ensure the best outcome for the Parramatta community.”

In addition to its submission to Transdev, which was endorsed last night, Council will be writing to the NSW Transport Minister, State MPs and other affected councils to discuss the proposed changes.

Council is also advocating for smaller, low impact vessels and more frequent services between Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park.

“The ferry to and from the Parramatta CBD is hugely important to the people who live, work, study and visit our great and growing City,” Cr Dwyer said.

“With the development of the new Powerhouse Precinct, and Parramatta Square fast becoming a jobs hub, the ferry line will play an even bigger role in connecting commuters to Sydney’s Central River City in coming years.

“We encourage any residents, workers or visitors who may be affected by the proposed changes to have their say before the consultation periods closes on 14 February.”

Complete the Transdev survey to have your say on the proposed changes