Mornington Peninsula Shire has welcomed the Victorian government's announcement of a 5 million dollar injection into the development of the Sorrento Searoad Ferry precinct.
Shire Mayor, Cr Sam Hearn said this was a great first step in realising the potential of this important transport and tourism link.
"We have been working closely with Searoad Ferries CEO Matt McDonald and advocating to the state government for financial support to be able to commence stage one of this initiative. "
"The timing of this announcement is really pleasing as it will be a major boost to our economic recovery efforts as we transition out of the Covid-19 pandemic".
Searoad Ferries CEO Matt McDonald said the upgrade of the Sorrento precinct will complement the work being undertaken in Queenscliff to create a world class, iconic tourism and transport precinct that connects both terminal locations to support the regional economy and local communities.
"In addition, the precinct work will also benefit the local Sorrento community with improved amenity."
Stage one will see Civil works associated with traffic/pedestrian & tourism upgrades adjacent to the terminal, Point Nepean Rd/ Hotham Rd Roundabout, Road pavement upgrade & operational improvements of Hotham Rd between Esplanade & Point Nepean Rd and Foreshore upgrades including pedestrian crossing at Esplanade near Point Nepean Rd.
Nepean Ward Councillor Hugh Fraser said the Sorrento Ferry Precinct is an essential entry point that connects the Mornington Peninsula, Sorrento, Portsea and Pt Nepean National Park to the Great Ocean Road and Geelong.
"The precinct upgrade ensures the public amenity will provide a welcome experience for such an important piece of tourism and transport infrastructure".
Nepean ward Councillor Bryan Payne said the Car Ferry is one of the busiest services in Australia of its kind, carrying more than 950,000 people and 26,000 vehicles per year.
""The Sorrento Community, in fact whole of the Mornington Peninsula welcomes this project that we have been waiting for, for many years. The project will deliver a world class facility for our wonderful Ferry service with accessibility for all patrons" ".
Preliminary works are scheduled for 2021.
Mayor Hearn concluded that with a number of shovel-ready projects in the wings, the Shire looked forward to further financial support from the state government to boost local employment and our local economy.
Photo: Chris Brayne MP – Member for Nepean, Nepean Ward Councillor Bryan Payne, Mayor Sam Hearn, Nepean Ward Councillor Hugh Fraser and Searoad Ferries CEO Matt McDonald.
