Following reports of stranded residents on Cabarita, Drummoyne, Chiswick and Abbotsford wharves during the Vivid Sydney festival, City of Canada Bay councillors have unanimously endorsed Deputy Mayor Stephanie Di Pasqua's motion calling on a plan for special event ferry services.
"I was saddened recently to hear about residents not being able to board ferry services to the Vivid Sydney festival due to overcrowding," Deputy Mayor Di Pasqua said.
"For our community, one of the key benefits of living in our area is access to the Paramatta River. For major events like Vivid Sydney, it's not acceptable for residents to be left waiting as services travel past our local wharves due to overcrowding."
With the 2022 Vivid festival having come to a close, Council has written to the Minister for Transport David Elliott advocating for special event ferry services to be put in place for any upcoming major Sydney Harbour festivals and events such as Vivid Sydney or Australia Day celebrations.
The City of Canada Bay has called for these additional services to begin their journey further along the river to allow City of Canada Bay residents the opportunity to access ferries during special events.
"The City ofCanada Bay has always advocated strongly for better access to the river and for ferry services that meet the needs for our community," Deputy Mayor Di Pasqua said.
"Any future issues that see residents left behind on our local wharves will discourage the use of our public ferries, increase reliance on private vehicles, further clog our local streets, and impact on our targets for community emission reductions."
"I look forward to hearing from Minister Elliott and working with the NSW Government on a positive plan for these services."
