D-Day for Botany Bay Ferry Wharves

D-Day for Botany Bay Ferry Wharves © Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW

With a decision due to be handed down by the federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek last week on the final approvals for this project, the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW wrote to the Minister last week in a last-ditch effort to put the brakes on this project that has little support in the community.

This approval will put these structures and ferries in direct conflict with our recognised fishing and spearfishing grounds in a recreational fishing haven. Also keep in mind these are safe fishing spots in a southerly wind/swell as well. The impacts to fish and habitat have been downplayed and ignored as we seem to constantly be talking about sea grass and not discussing the impacts to fish assemblages and spawning aggregations of species like cephalopods that the increased movement of huge water craft like these ferries will have.

This approval will not take into account the lies that Transport for NSW have claimed in NSW Parliament about consulting with groups like the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW.

This project will be another scar on Botany Bay. A more measured approach to the approval process is needed, based on the suitability of Transport for NSW to deliver, and what they have said, or not said, in the EIS. We need more time for independent experts and further consultation with the community before a decision is made.

There's no public demand for these ferry services. Even though we took this picture of the nearby car park on a nice day, there are not enough people in the area to fill one ferry, let alone the multiple trips needed to keep it viable. The business case for this project is all smoke, mirrors and false promises.