Bayside Council will write to the NSW Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance urging him to lobby for the return of the Brighton Le Sands Ferry service, connecting Brighton Le Sands and Sans Souci with Kurnell, La Perouse.
The council will also seek the support of all local State Members and Chambers of Commerce for this tourism initiative.
The move was outlined by Bayside Council mayor Joe Awada in a Mayoral Minute at last night's Bayside Council meeting.
"The reintroduction of a ferry service between La Perouse and Kurnell is slowly gaining traction," Councillor Awada said.
"Last October in the NSW Parliament, the Member for Cronulla, Attorney General Mark Speakman, spoke of a joint federal-state $50 million upgrade of the Kurnell precinct of Kamay Botany Bay National Park.
"This upgrade includes new ferry wharves at Kurnell and La Perouse. There is an opportunity to enhance the current Kurnell - La Perouse proposal with the reintroduction of a ferry service in Bayside.
"Previously, commencing in 1903, a pleasure steamer, the SS Erina, provided a weekend service between Brighton-le-Sands, Kurnell and Sans Souci and made the occasional trip to La Perouse.
"It is time to bring back the Brighton-le-Sands-Sans Souci ferry service for the Bayside community, connecting with La Perouse and Kurnell.
"There is huge, untapped tourism potential in our local beachfront with family friendly swimming, a culturally inclusive environment, and a wide selection of quality cafes and restaurants.
"Arrival by ferry will enhance the visitor experience, allowing for the enjoyment of magnificent views and enable a wider appreciation of the natural environment that sustained the local aboriginal community for thousands of years.
"Leaving the car at home, there will be no need to find a parking space - reducing the impact of traffic congestion and carbon emissions on our environment.
"The tourism industry has taken a huge hit in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People are now looking for opportunities to visit local areas," Cr Awada said..
"With international tourism on hold - we can grow our local tourist population with a 'staycation.' Reintroducing this ferry service would join Sydney's iconic fleet of ferries, showcasing beautiful Botany Bay and Bayside would join the bucket list for trips in and around Sydney.
"If the NSW Government is serious about an industry led recovery, and if they are serious about supporting tourism, they must support the return of the ferry service to Brighton-LeSands and Sans Souci, connecting La Perouse and Kurnell."
