Why the Manly Ferry's Future is Sinking in Bureaucratic Waters
In an ocean of uncertainty, the once-beloved Collaroy ferry finds itself tethered, not to its bustling Manly route, but to the silent shores of Cockatoo Island. Aged like a fine sea-going vessel, she’s now cradled by constant indecision and elusive resolutions.
Yesterday’s Glory, Today’s Limbo
Back in 2023, the Collaroy was deemed prohibitively expensive, a decision that signaled its departure from the daily hustle and bustle of ferry life. According to Graeme Taylor, an experienced ferry expert at Action for Transport, the ferry’s unique mechanical identity is overstated and its steel hull remains solid, advocating it deserves more than just an indefinite limbo.
Mooring Costs and Economic Concerns
To place it simply, leaving this classic ocean giant moored is not a cheap affair. The cost of neglect registers not only as fiscal irresponsibility but also as fading hope to revive her into service. Taylor highlights the necessity of a viable business model for its prospective owner, requiring multiple charters a day—a daunting goal indeed.
Calls for Immediate Action
Amidst the silence of Sydney’s harbor, there’s an echoing call for the state government to shake off its procrastination. Taylor suggests that the Collaroy could fill a vital role on the Manly route, predicting an air of growing commuter demand. Yet, she sits waiting, as Transport for NSW navigates the foggy waters of future fleet planning.
The State’s Electrifying Vision
Looking toward the horizon, the state government unveiled a bold vision last year—electrifying its fleet over a decade, potentially embracing the retirement of the remaining Freshwater-class ferries by 2030. But as the uncertainty continues alongside naval docking priorities, the timely transition to “Freshwater-like” modern emissions-free vessels seems barely within reach.
A Historical Cable to the Past
Built and bound by history, the Collaroy’s story harks back to 1988 as a member of the iconic fleet symbolizing Sydney’s vibrant northern beaches. Graeme Taylor—like many citizens—reflects on this deeply woven tale, hoping it won’t end forgotten, tied up in noncommittal bureaucratic threads.
The wave of nostalgia crashes against the shore of Cockatoo Island, continuing to question when, or even if, Collaroy will don her distinguished sails once again. Could there be hope of reviving her significance, or will she remain a solemn reminder of what once was a significant chapter in Sydney’s maritime lore?
