Wednesday, July 8, 2009



The people of NSW own the public Ferry service, today the Rees government is attempting to make short term monetary gain "by selling off the farm", so to speak.

Public transport helps with reducing our environmental footprint, it assists those that do not have access to a private vehicle get to desired destinations.

Sydney Ferries are not only an icon that most tourists to this city want to ride on, but are a necessary part of the infrastructure that makes Sydney the premier city of Australia.

This blog is here to hopefully build up support and show this short term thinking government that we the people of NSW value our public transport and by maintaining the Ferries in public hands we will help to stop the rot that has been set in motion by the public sell off of our prized possessions.

We hope that with your support, we will stop this short sighted madness by our elected members of government and just perhaps remind them that we the voters are who they represent and not the interest of large corporate business that seeks to exploit profits ahead of services.

20 comments:

  1. The people of NSW need to let the Government know that the Ferries must stay safe in public hands. Public transport is a right and not a priviledge.

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  2. It is time that the NSW government is made accountable and realizes that it is here to serve the people of NSW, not to sell their assets to big business in a short term fix to balance ledgers.

    Privatization will mean less service, reduced safety and higher fares full stop!

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  3. Spread the word folks, we will need to get steam up for this campaign to have any effect at all.

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  4. Well after some technical hicthes we are up and running again. Thx to those that gave us feedback with the problems.

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  5. Preserve the Sydney ferries.

    Sydney’s ferries are as much at the heart of Sydney as is the famed opera house. Whether ridden on, seen or heard, the Sydney ferries are at the core of this harbour and must be supported and appreciated as such. The vibrant and unique atmosphere created by the busy passage of these traditional boats at work is one of Sydney’s major attractions. A decrease in ferries would impoverish the Sydney experience for locals and tourists alike. As a potential private investment, there will be no profit possible without severe detriment to the service, leading to an anachronistic, quaint, tourist-only ride: A dead relic.
    Granted, they are not economically defensible in terms of running costs or as a form of public transport as compared with buses, but the richness they give to this beautiful city, the impact and attraction of their timeless ambience is immeasurable.

    Andra Krumins

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  6. If the government sells off yet again another public asset this will mean the end of an historic era of public transport and an integral part of Sydney’s history that will be tragic.

    Trina
    Preserve the Sydney ferries.

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  7. We have posted some comments sent in e-mails above

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  8. Interesting story on the one of the companies that are bidding for our ferries.

    http://pulsemedia.org/2009/06/29/derailing-veolia-in-the-uk-a-campaign/

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  9. More valuable comments from supporters




    Dear Sir, I would like to register my objection the Government wanting to sell OUR assets.

    In this case, Sydney Ferries. I think it would be a better option for the people of Sydney and in particular those that are lucky enough to live around the harbour, to have the Government pull its head out of the sand and fix the management structure, rather than sell the asset.

    Although our family are not regular users of the service, due to where we live, we do occasionally enjoy a trip on the harbour on a ferry, when visiting on weekends and showing our guests around town.

    We consider Transport, along with Health, Education and Utilities are basic functions to which Governments are responsible. These assets should never fall into private hands.

    Yours sincerely – Michael, Terry and Rachel Wentworth Falls NSW 2782

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  10. More...


    Hello,
    I've seen your 'save the ferries' website and am impressed with the information given. Apart from the myth being raised that private enterprise can 'fix up' the ferries management years of incompetence it also may be worth while considering that this fixing up idea is by the same N.S.W. Government who led the ferry service into this state of dysfunction.

    If one of these multi national bidders are successful in wresting control of our publicly owned ferries from the people the agreement will allow the winning tenderer to approach the owners (N.S.W. Govt.) at a later date, palms extended for more money. Has it been any different in any of our experiences? So much for the successful lowest running cost tender,

    All this by a floundering State government looking to show voters in the short term how to solve problems, largely of their own making.

    Above the certainty of higher fares and reduced services will come the exporting of gleaned private enterprise profits and Govt. subsidies from a publicly owned industry (We paid for the whole lot) and Australia loses more of of its currency overseas. Not a very good deal for N.S.W. voters.

    A look at the Isle of Man ferry services taken over by the financial predator Macquarry bank only a few years ago will give some idea of the results of this type of take over based on private enterprise greed. It's all there on the websites.


    Best regards,
    m.stewart.

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  11. Dear Minster Campbell

    Sydney Harbour and its features, is a world renowned Australian treasure; the way Sydney Ferries are managed plays a significant role in ensuring it remains so.

    The ferries are in public ownership, I understand there is a recommendation that it be considered they be managed by private interests. Has this recommendation received comment from the public? What is the process to gain public comment and input? If so what is it? Will there be a referendum as part of the next NSW election process on whether the public of NSW want the ferries to be privatised?

    I am aware of a new website that is rallying support to keep the ferries in public hands http://www.saveoursydneyferries.org.au/ so there is obviously concern in the community.

    I am a regular visitor to Sydney and user of the ferries, and have always been impressed by the professional, friendly and reliable way the ferries are run, as I expect are many visitors. It would seem sensible to make every effort to maintain this reputation.

    Any change to the current structure needs careful consideration that includes real public consultation and input.

    Regards

    Sue Lewis

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  12. And some more, thx Sue

    Dear Premier Rees

    Sydney Harbour and its features, is a world renowned Australian treasure; the way Sydney Ferries are managed plays a significant role in ensuring it remains so.

    The ferries are in public ownership, I understand there is a recommendation that it be considered they be managed by private interests. Has this recommendation received comment from the public? What is the process to gain public comment and input? If so what is it? Will there be a referendum as part of the next NSW election process on whether the public of NSW want the ferries to be privatised?

    I am aware of a new website that is rallying support to keep the ferries in public hands http://www.saveoursydneyferries.org.au/ so there is obviously concern in the community.

    I am a regular visitor to Sydney and user of the ferries, and have always been impressed by the professional, friendly and reliable way the ferries are run, as I expect are many visitors. It would seem sensible to make every effort to maintain this reputation.

    Any change to the current structure needs careful consideration that includes real public consultation and input.

    Regards

    Sue Lewis

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  13. I am a tertiary student and a regular commuter of Sydney Ferries.

    Sydney Ferries are in fact much better for travel than on buses or cars. The main fact is that buses and cars are normally delayed whenever there is an accident or a breakdown on either Victoria Road, Western Distributor or the Harbour Bridge - due to each one linking in some way. At least with the ferries, the main cause of delay is weather-related - which is not a common occurence. I also find that even during off-peak times, the ferry can be quicker than travelling on roads.

    Sydney would lose its great harbour heritage, as there would be less ferry operations and more likely to have a loss of passenger numbers due to the price rises and possible lack of tertiary student concession rates.

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  14. Our 'public' ferries have for a long time:

    * not collected fares;
    * when fares are collected there are long queues;
    * departed wharves early - "because no-one was there" I was told;
    * departed wharves when passengers running for the ferry were clearly in view;
    * charged high fares - $5+ for a one way trip for 10 minutes must be the highest in Sydney;
    * ripped off tourists;
    * run out of tickets;
    * have some difficulty in simply displaying where they are heading!

    There is little sense of providing a public transport service. Ferries should be privatised as soon as possible and the Walker Report implemented.

    Is this site merely a front for the Maritime Union?

    Mick Hugh

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  15. Thanks for the constructive comments Mick, although I am a little confused with the points you raise.

    Firstly SFC collected over $50 000 000 in fares last year so your first point is off the mark.

    Long queues tend happen around popular events, as the ferries carry millions of passengers each year and half of those that travel are tourists (who don't tend to buy multi trip tickets queues are an unfortunate by product.

    To depart a wharf early is an offence and I am sure that this does not happen on purpose. I would recomend that if you were to wittness such an act you should do something constructive and report it.

    The fares charged are constrained by the high cost of running this service, I am sure though that if you can get a cheaper rate by land you would be welcome to take up this option and enjoy the traffic that comes along with same.Other wise sit back and enjoy the safe ride, safety costs Mick.

    As to your comment "ripped of tourists", it seems to me that those onboard are having the time of their lives, although I suppose smiling is what you may do whilst being "ripped off".

    Running out of tickets happens because a cashier cannot print them onboard once their supply is exhausted. They have to wait the return to the quay and replenish I would expect.

    The time tables and routes are displayed on every wharf, at the quay they announce the vessels destination for those that have difficulty reading, I would suggest that you perhaps may need to look at the boards that are above the heads of the passengers for a display of where the vessel is going.

    I am interested if you have actually read the Walker report, we have and no where does it state that the ferries should be privatized!

    If you had read it instead of making wild false claims you would see it recommends a tendering process to run the ferries. Never let the facts get in the way of a good rant eh Mick?

    Your not a politician are you, you seem to have a great difficulty with interpreting facts Mick?

    This site has been put together by like minded individuals that value a remarkable icon of Sydney and wish to see it remain for all to use safe in public hands.

    Lets face it Mick privatisation will mean less services and most likely peak hour only running with very limited late night and weekend service.

    As a user of the ferries to commute across the harbour I say the boys and girls are doing a great job with little help from the media to keep us moving, the hands at the gates seem to me to be under incredible pressure with large crowds who often have limited English and the crews of the boats all have treated me with a smile and normally on time running.

    I'd like to say thanks to the staff who I am sure work with difficulties that I now am only beginning to understand.

    All in all great comments Mick, but we are trying to voice our opinions based on fact!

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  16. Ok, here are some more comments, based on some facts as I have observed or experienced them.

    Today I caught a ferry - the ticket collector manually sells or takes tickets, and there were too many passengers for him to deal with, so that about 10 got off at their stop without paying because they could not wait. They had in fact stood waiting the whole trip to pay. The deckhand stood by, obviously not allowed to assist [why?].

    Why can't ferries have simple ticket machines like buses? to avoid all this.

    If, as you say, ferries collected $50m in fares, then they also have missed out on another $10m because of these inefficient practices.

    As to tourists, yes, 3 tourists from Balmain East going to the Quay got on the ferry going to Darling harbour. They were going to be charged over $30 because, of course, it is two trips. Some fair passengers intervened, no help form the ticket collector. Others have reported similar attitudes from the ferry staff.

    I ask again, why can't ferries display on their blank signs where they are going - have a look at Balmain East of a morning and the confusion that reigns. Would you have a bus that did not display its destination? The ferries' signs are there - they are just blank.

    The ferries are antiquated in their administration and operation and require a new approach, one that does not seem possible with the present culture.

    MH

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  17. Perhaps Mick would be happy with a peak hour service and nothing else. Then again I would like to know who holds a gun to his head and forces him to use the ferry to the city? Couldn't he not use a bus?

    I suppose someone with such a blinkered view probably can not see them!

    I read the ferries carried 15,000,000+ passengers and this guy carries on about one day he saw this or that with no proof mind you.

    I would like to comment on the great service the ferries give and again want to say thanks to the hard working boys and girls. I would also like to apologize for the narrow minded morons you must have to deal with from time to time.

    I wonder what the other 15 million that got to travel would say to such a closed minded turkey?

    Are you sure Mick is not really Mrs Kerr little boy Wayne?

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  18. The report by the Tourism and Transport Forum found that Sydney ferries were significantly underperforming in comparison with other operators in other states and overseas. While their numbers were increasing, Sydney ferries' were stagnant if not decreasing - less people now use the ferries than 5 years ago.
    The Report found majority community support for franchising as is recommended in the Walker Report. The report is well worth reading, and acting upon. See www.ttf.org.au

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  19. You really have to read the Walker report before you make false claims Wayne.. umm I mean Mick

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  20. Sydney Ferries has suffered a loss of $14.5 million, despite being told to lift its game to avoid privatisation. The corporation's 2008-2009 annual report reveals the loss, compared to just $424,000 the previous year.

    A 10 per cent jump in expenses included increased fleet running costs, employee wages, and a doubling of the cost of temporary staff.
    Sydney Ferries' debt grew by 30 per cent to more than $80 million, roughly the same amount it still receives in NSW government funding.

    Someone out there has to be able to do a better job than this. Efficient and effective collection of fares would be one idea ...

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