As you will no doubt be aware there are major changes proposed for the above routes which will have an adverse effect on the suburb’s commuters in terms of lengthened journeys and will mean considerable inconvenience particularly for the elderly and those travelling with children or luggage.
Transport for NSW and Sydney Ferries operator Transdev are currently consulting with communities along the Parramatta River and Sydney Harbour to review the frequency and routes of the F3 and F8 ferry services from Woolwich and Huntleys Point and many residents have already communicated with Transdev. There is currently a petition with over 800 signatures.
The changes are as follows:
Woolwich Ferry (F8)
Woolwich, Greenwich Point and Birchgrove – to and from Barangaroo. The ferry will no longer stop at Balmain wharf or provide direct travel to Circular Quay. Change at Barangaroo “for other enhanced ferry services, including the F4 City Connector”
Huntleys Point Ferry (F3)
Abbotsford to Barangaroo – all stops including Cockatoo Island, Balmain and Balmain East. This route will increase the current commute time. Change at Balmain East to continue to Circular Quay
While it is recognised that there are problems of overcrowding at Circular Quay and that some travellers will benefit from embarking at Barangaroo the following solutions must also be considered:
- Create more space for ferries at Circular Quay by transferring commercial boat operators to Barangaroo
- Use the Opera side of Circular Quay for ferries
- Allow the F3 and F8 ferry routes to call at Barangaroo BUT to then continue on to Circular Quay.
There are several opportunities for you to provide feedback but time is running out and this must be received by Friday 14th February
- Access the Transdev site which will provide you with further information on what is being proposed. Feedback and suggestions are invited here: https://yoursay.transdev.com.au/2021-proposed-service-changes
- Attend the community meeting being held by Hunters Hill Council with TRANSDEV on Thursday 13 February 6-7pm at Hunters Hill Town Hall. There will be an opportunity to sign a petition prior to the meeting.
Further information via this link https://huntershill.com.au/events/community-meeting-drastic-ferry-timetable-changes-proposal/
Loss of Heritage Sandstone kerbs
The Trust were shocked to discover the removal of a large section of heritage sandstone kerbing in Gladesville Road, alongside St Josephs College. Astonishingly, this work has resulted in the replacement of the sandstone kerb stones with concrete and it is not known what has happened to the large blocks of hand hewn sandstone which have been removed. This has drastically diminished the streetscape and setting for this landmark building. Here is our letter to Council and please write to the General Manager Lisa Miscamble at miscamblel@huntershill.nsw.gov.au if you would also like to comment.
We now have an update from the General Manager at Hunters Hill Council who wrote that ‘the works were discussed with our Heritage Adviser at the time who advised that the sand stone gutter was not heritage listed, therefore appropriate infrastructure works could be undertaken.’
However this does not explain what work necessitated their removal in the first place and ignores the fact that the kerbstones are ‘heritage’ items even if they are not ‘listed’. In fact their removal goes against the Local Environmental Plan 2012 which states that one of the ‘particular aims’ is ‘to conserve Aboriginal heritage and European heritage that influence the character and identity of the municipality’.
Fortunately since the original travesty of the removal of the sandstone kerbs in Gladesville Road, it now appears the Council have reverted to putting them back in place once the road has been repaired thus maintaining our irreplaceable heritage streetscape.