The Northern Territory Government is investigating the potential for future ferry services in and around Darwin Harbour to cater for future growth within the next 50 years.

The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics has engaged maritime infrastructure specialists Mott MacDonald to assess several locations to see if they are suitable for future ferry services and identify the infrastructure needed to expand ferry services in Darwin.

The analysis will also look at trigger points for future demand for ferry transport over a 50-year period.

The long-term Planning Infrastructure for Future Integrated Ferry Services Study will analyse each potential ferry site based on a range of criteria, including population growth over the next 50 years, economic and tourism potential, environmental sensitivities and community benefits.

The study will also examine the physical features of the locations including water depth, land availability, access, prevailing weather conditions and infrastructure needs such as pontoons, jetties, dredging, terminal facilities and parking.

About 130 000 people live in population centres around the greater Darwin region, including Darwin, Palmerston, Southport, Bynoe Harbour and Mandorah. The Darwin Regional Land Use Plan estimates this population will grow to 250 000 people within 40 to 50 years.

Locations being considered include:

• Darwin area – Cullen Bay, Fishermen’s Wharf, Frances Bay, Dinah Beach Boat Ramp, Kitchener Bay, Stokes Hill Wharf, Fort Hill Wharf, Doctor’s Gully, Jervois Road, Esplanade opposite Knuckey Street

• Darwin Harbour (inside) – Middle Arm Boat Ramp, Elizabeth River Boat Ramp (Palmerston Boat Ramp), Southport Boat Ramp, Mandorah Jetty

• Darwin Harbour (periphery) – Nightcliff Jetty, Lee Point, Gunn Point.

As part of the study, the Northern Territory Government will seek community feedback about where they would catch a ferry in Darwin and what infrastructure would be needed if they did. Key stakeholder and current ferry service operator, SeaLink have also been invited to provide feedback for this study.

The community’s feedback will help identify the most appropriate priority sites for future ferry infrastructure and services.

People can view the potential ferry locations being assessed as part of the study and give their feedback on each specific location using an interactive map, fill in a survey, make a submission or register for updates at:  www.ferryplanning.nt.gov.au.

People can also email FerryPlanning@nt.gov.au or contact 8981 6445.

Community consultation will close on 13 December 2017.

Media: For further information contact Alex Cannon 0437 868 115