Mp Attacks Fast Ferry Firm Over Financing Plans
Newcastle Herald
Tuesday March 26, 2002
THE company behind plans for a fast ferry service between the Central Coast and Sydney has been criticised in State Parliament for allegedly trying to take advantage of the Government.
Fast Ships Ltd, which plans a service between Ettalong and Circular Quay, has been accused of asking the Carr Government to act as a guarantor for the purchase of a ferry and to spend millions of taxpayers' dollars on berth facilities.
Peats MP Marie Andrews said the company appeared to not even have enough financial backing to buy a single boat.
`Yet the company has the audacity to want the State Government to build a terminal on the foreshores of Ettalong Beach at a cost of $4.3million,' Ms Andrews said.
But company chairman Alf Salter has hit back at Ms Andrews, accusing her of misrepresenting the company's position.
Mr Salter said the company wanted the Government to provide only a `buy-back option' on wharf facilities in the `unlikely event' the ferry service was not profitable, and a `short-term guarantee' to enable immediate purchase of a ferry.
* THE company behind plans for a Newcastle to Sydney fast ferry service, SuperFerry Ltd, says the project should be operating within three months.
Company chief Stephen Duncan said three return services a day are planned between the Port of Newcastle and Circular Quay, catering to tourists and commuters.
© 2002 Newcastle Herald
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