Ferry terminal a bridge too far for Applecross residents

Perth Now

a day ago

Applecross residents want a terminal proposed as part of an expansion of ferry services moved across the river to Como.
The State Government is planning to build a ferry terminal immediately north of the Raffles Hotel and near the luxurious Raffles Waterfront Apartments as part of its $107 million expansion of public transport options along the Swan River.
A new river route will connect it and a new terminal at Matilda Bay with the existing Elizabeth Quay ferry stop.
The new terminals will feature a fixed jetty connecting the shore and sheltered waiting area, and a covered hinged jetty guiding passengers to the floating pontoon where they will board the ferries.
The Matilda Bay location sparked backlash from other water users and Matilda Bay-based groups when it was confirmed last month, and now the Applecross location has also come under fire.
The Canning Bridge Ferry Action Group wants the Applecross terminal shifted across the river to the Canning Cloister Foreshore in Como.
It also wants 'real consultation' by being part of the Applecross Landing Community Reference Group.
Canning Bridge Ferry Action Group spokesman Matthew Cox said their concerns were not a case of NIMBYism.
Residents were worried for the safety of dolphins which they said regularly played in the area and the swans who use the area to raise their cygnets.
'The government's proposal is flawed and there is a good case for mitigating the impacts to improve the ferry service expansion,' Mr Cox said.
'We believe that positive changes to the ferry jetty and infrastructure location, orientation and design could bring benefits to all parties.
'There are better ways to make the ferry project a success.'
The group said in a submission to the State Government and City of Melville that 24-hour lighting and associated activity at the terminal would disrupt residents.
'Vehicles and buses servicing ferries every 25 minutes from 6.30am to 12.30am daily will increase traffic on Kintail and Canning Beach roads, exacerbating congestion and parking issues,' it said.
'The proposed multi-storey car park on the Tivoli site opposite the Raffles Waterfront will negatively affect the character and amenity of the area, exacerbate traffic congestion and make it difficult for vehicles to access local residences.'
It said using the Canning Cloister Foreshore would cost less, have less impact on the environment and be closer to a larger residential population. Canning Bridge Ferry Action Group's preferred location. Credit: Supplied
If the Applecross site remains, the group wants the terminal redesigned and the landing closer to deep water.
'This is a pivotal moment to get the balance right — for community, environment, and long-term sustainability,' Mr Cox said.
According to Metronet, the Applecross terminal will be designed to support current and future high-density living and tourism and connect to other suburbs via existing bus routes.
'It will provide an attractive and scenic alternative for those wanting to travel across the Swan River, with current routes via the Narrows and the Causeway bridges heavily congested during peak times,' a fact sheet said.
City of Melville CEO Gail Bowman said the council had not formed a position on the proposed ferry terminal.
'The city is aware of some community concerns with the proposal and encourages residents to give feedback to the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage through its online platform when the comment period opens,' she said.
A statement from Transport Minister Rita Saffioti last month confirming the two new terminal locations said stakeholder engagement had been ongoing since October last year and would continue to be an important part of the project. An artist's impression of the proposed Applecross terminal. Credit: PTA
The State Government planned to establish a reference group, with key water user groups within the Matilda Bay and Applecross areas to be invited to participate and provide advice on controls and measures so the waterway could be shared safely by all users.
A development application for the two new terminals was expected to be submitted soon and the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage would seek public comment.
Premier Roger Cook said a re-think was needed on how the Swan River was used when he announced the ferry expansion in February last year.
'Just imagine enjoying a pint at the Raffles in Applecross, then cruising to Optus Stadium to watch the footy. Or living on the Canning Bridge precinct and hopping on a ferry to go to work in the city. Or perhaps future residents of the Belmont Racecourse development catch a ferry over to UWA to study,' he said.