The gap between Tasmania and mainland Australia is narrowing further with the introduction of a new fast ferry catamaran service between George Town and Melbourne. The return of an alternative ferry service across Bass Strait is the result of years of intensive lobbying by the George Town Council, local media, the community and politicians.
When the previous SeaCat service, which operated between George Town and Port Welshpool on the South Gippsland coast of Victoria, was disbanded in 1993, both George Town and South Gippsland were affected by the loss of jobs and activities based around the service. In addition, the Spirit of Tasmania, operating between Devonport and Melbourne, could not fully accommodate demand for its services during the peak period between December and April.
Since 1993, George Town Council, together with the local media, has been continually making representations to State and Federal bodies, as well as private business, in an attempt to have the crucial service reintroduced.
Following the October announcement by Tasmanian Premier Tony Rundle that the Government would operate the new ferry service for the duration of the current peak season, the George Town Devil Cat Coordination Committee was established. Established as a Special Committee of Council, it comprises representatives from Council, the Port Authority, Chamber of Commerce, State Government, tourism industry and the Regional Development Office.
It is committed to providing support for the ferry service, liaising between the service, government and other interested parties, monitoring the consumer response and, most importantly, acting to ensure the long term sustainability of the service.
The return of the service is a major boost for George Town which, though being the third oldest European settlement in Australia, is located away from Tasmania’s main tourist routes. Mayor Lawrence Archer who has fought for the return of the service said, “The return of the Cat has boosted the confidence of business and the whole community. Everyone is a lot more confident about the future.
“Passenger support more than justifies its return next year.” Early indicators are showing an increase in local hotel occupancy and visitor numbers not only in George Town, but along the entire east coast of Tasmania.
“When the SeaCat stopped, demand for accommodation in St Helens fell by 30 percent,” said Robert Legge, Mayor of Break O’ Day Council. “It is an opportunity that has arrived to return tourist cars to the east coast.”
In addition to the benefits it brings George Town, the service is a key means of incorporating Bass Strait into the National Highway System linking the entire continent. Painted to resemble a fiery Tasmanian devil, the Cat represents the spirited determination that has seen the fast ferry service not only returned but also aims to have it maintained for the long term.
For further information contact Roy Hetherington, telephone (03) 6382 1211.
