The Andrews Labor Government is extending its support for the Portarlington to Docklands ferry service in a boost for tourism and local communters.

Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll announced today that the Labor Government has extended funding for the  popular travel route to the Bellarine Peninsula for another 12 months.

This means regular work commuters can continue accessing the weekday services to the city taking more cars off the road and offering an alternative to road or rail travel for people visiting or living in the Bellarine Peninsula.

Day-trippers and local businesses will welcome access to the service throughout the busy summer months as tourists flock to the Bellarine.

The Labor Government will invest $2.55m to extend its support for the Portarlington to Docklands ferry.

Launched in May 2017, in the last 12 months the service has returned to its pre-covid peak attracting almost 110,000 users, with a high of more than 15,000 passengers in January 2023.

Since 2014, the Government has also invested more than $37 million in the Portarlington Harbour including through our Piers and Jetties stimulus package.

Works completed last year include all-weather access from the foreshore to the ferry service, a strengthened pier head to enable vehicle access for the aquaculture industry and emergency responses and a new accessivle low landing for improved water access.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

“We’re backing regional tourism and local communities by investing in better transport links and cheaper travel through initatives like our regional fare cap on V/Line services and through our support for the Portarlington ferry service.”

“The ferry to the Bellarine Peninsula provides another convenient transport alternative for the tens of thousands of visitors and locals accessing the service whether for work or holidays.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

”This is a great outcome for the Bellarine. The Portarlington Ferry is a wonderful experience and an important transport link for locals and visitors.

”The ferry offers a gateway to our amazing Peninsula and strengthens tourism for our region, while also providing locals with a transport alternative to travel to and from Melbourne.”