THE first step has been taken towards reintroducing a ferry service between La Perouse and Kurnell, and making the site where (the then) Lieutenant Cook landed accessible to large vessels carrying tourists.
A $70,000 study will investigate the feasibility of providing suitable wharves at the two sites and the potential use by tourists, commuters and recreational users.
Roads and Freight Minister Duncan Gay, who announced the study, said there was ‘‘strong community interest’’ in the project to help commemorate the 250th anniversary of Cook’s landing in 2020.
Ferries operated between Kurnell and La Perouse, and serviced Sans Souci and Brighton-Le-Sands, as far back as 1898, but ceased in the mid-1960s.
A previous study found a ferry service between Kurnell and La Perouse would be unviable financially.
Cronulla MP Mark Speakman said the feasibility study he had sought ‘‘opened the door for the region’s enormous tourism potential to be realised’’.
He said there appeared to be two wharf options at Kurnell; upgrading and extending the existing ferry wharf at Cook’s landing place or build a new one at Silver Beach.
Mr Speakman said tourists would probably prefer the first option while a new wharf at Silver Beach could better suit commuters.
‘‘We had some people a few months ago on an inaugural Sydney coastal walk from Pittwater to Royal National Park and they told me what an exhilarating experience it was to arrive here as Captain Cook did by boat,’’ he said.
He said the government would work with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services and Randwick Council.
“We will look at previous studies, the likely usage of the wharves, including from both commercial and recreational vessels, identify appropriate locations of the wharves and examine the economic benefits for the area,” he said.
Mr Gay said there was ‘‘plenty of work to do, but this is a step in the right direction’’.
‘‘I see lots of ideas and suggestions, but I have to say I think this one is exceptional,’’ he said.
‘‘A ferry service is almost certainly something we would offer to private enterprise to see whether it adds up.
‘‘It would be a fabulous tourist attraction, with a combination of beautiful spots and the integration of Australian history.
‘‘It ticks all the boxes’’.
THUMBS UP
Jeff and Michelle Hindmarsh, who visited the historic area for the first time this week, believe a ferry service would be a winner.
The couple, who live at Chittaway Bay on the Central Coast, said visitors would much prefer a ferry ride to the present long drive.
‘‘It would be a great way to arrive,’’ Mr Hindmarsh said.
Kurnell Progress Association representatives Susan and Trevor Davis said they believed tourists would jump at the chance to arrive by boat, and residents would love the option of a ferry service to reach the eastern suburbs and city.
They said residents would welcome a big influx of tourists.
■ Would you use a ferry service between Kurnell and La Perouse?
