Estimates - Transport - Derwent Ferries

CHAIR - Minister, going to the Derwent Ferries project, I note that a Goodwood company, Richardson Devine Marine, has just been awarded $50 million from the New South Wales government to construct e-ferries to be deployed on Sydney Harbour. We could have a jump with the technology with the Derwent ferries. What sort of consideration has there been to deploy e-ferries on the Derwent as part of that project?

Mr VINCENT - I'll check with the deputy secretary. I certainly haven't been involved with discussions on that point, other than that it's an option as we expand the services to a further point. My discussion points have been more around the time it takes to travel and whether people are willing to forgo their car to hop on a ferry from some of the further points. One would imagine that electric is the way of the future but I will ask the deputy secretary if they've had discussions in that area.

Ms HEYDON - We haven't had discussions with the industry about moving to, say, battery-powered ferries. It's part of the consideration of what that future contract and service looks like, though. It will be an opportunity under a future procurement if a supplier has that or the ability to transition, which is what we're trying to do with all our PT.

CHAIR - My second question is around the proposed ferry terminal for Sandy Bay. One would think that the most logical place to have that would be at Wrest Point Casino. I think that was public land and made as a ferry terminal for the current Wrest Point Casino proposal.

Mr BAYLEY - In the original proposal as well.

CHAIR - I am wondering why this other proposal along a really busy thoroughfare, Sandy Bay Road, is the preferred option.

Mr VINCENT - That is a council project and doesn't sit directly under my control, other than we have some input into it at the moment. The council is working through the issue with sites at Sandy Bay.

CHAIR - Thank you for that answer.