Re: Fast Ferries to Compete with Trains

["Bill McNiven" <wmcniven@gunzel.ozemail.com.au>]

Rob Kearey wrote in message <37C2101D.B728A441@mailbox.uq.edu.au>...
>WhaleOilBeefHooked wrote:
>
>> David Martin wrote in message <18nw3.7549$O_1.53618@ozemail.com.au>...
>
>> >Those of you who said my New Caves Express couldn't make money might
like
>> >to think again.
>
<snip snip>
The fast ferry to Gosford is at least as old as the Bullet Train to
Melbourne.

What smh.com.au says about the Gosford ferry proposal is ...

"Gosford Council has given conditional approval to the Supershuttle service,
which involves a fleet of private commuter ferries running every hour
between Gosford and Circular Quay, for about the same fare as the train.
"It is the second proposed ferry service for the Central Coast and the
heightened anticipation of an alternative to the train travel and F3 traffic
jams has boosted local real estate prices by as much as 30 per cent.
"The proponents of the latest plan have been given the go-ahead for a marina
development at Gosford, due to start in 2001.
"They plan to spend $45 million on three ferries, to be built at Newcastle,
which will be able to deliver passengers to the CBD in 75 minutes. Trains
take 90 minutes and cars anything up to two hours. "

Doesn't this mean that somebody has gained planning permission for a marina
by "looking into" running a ferry?

On the Ettalong proposal ...

"Another firm, Fastships, has already been given the go-ahead to begin a $15
million service with a boat running from Ettalong to Sydney from next year.
Fastships' customers are likely to be a mix of commuters and tourists.
"The Fastships service will deliver passengers to the CBD in just 40
minutes. The company will build a 54-metre vessel to carry 450 passengers at
speeds of more than 100km/h.
"The proposed development at Ettalong includes a floating pontoon and fixed
walkway, and a bus interchange and parking area. Six return trips a day are
planned. "

Doesn't this mean that somebody has gained planning permission for a marina
by "looking into" running a ferry?

Is 100 km/hr feasible for a ferry on the Hawkesbury or in Port Jackson, or
only on the open sea?

No doubt, we'll hear next from somebody seeking planning permission for a
resort in the Blue Mountains.  They will be "looking into" running a Caves
Express!

Rgds

Bill
(Not an Essendon supporter)