community - 2026-07-27

Collaroy ferry to be dismantled for scrap at cost of $3.3 million

Source: jamesgriffinmp.com

The Collaroy ferry will be dismantled for scrap metal at a cost of $3.3 million, ending prospects of the youngest of Sydney's four Freshwater-class vessels returning to the Manly service. Member for Manly James Griffin said the decision let down the local community and campaigners who had expected all four ferries to be retained.

The Collaroy ferry will be dismantled for scrap metal at a cost of $3.3 million, ending prospects of the youngest of Sydney's four Freshwater-class vessels returning to the Manly service. Member for Manly James Griffin said the decision let down the local community and campaigners who had expected all four ferries to be retained. The vessel had previously been withdrawn from service because its maintenance and renewal costs were considered "prohibitively expensive". The information released by Griffin did not specify when or where the dismantling would occur, or provide a breakdown of the $3.3 million cost. Griffin said the decision contrasted with assurances given by NSW Labor before the 2023 state election that the Freshwater ferries would be retained. He said many residents had understood those commitments, and the Save the Manly Ferries campaign, to apply to the entire four-vessel fleet rather than only part of it. "Sadly, most people were of the belief that the State Labor Government and 'Save the Manly Ferries' campaigners were saving all four Freshwater ferries, evidently that's not the case," Griffin said. His comments are a political response from the Liberal MP and no...