BY OLI GOELDNER
Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe has taken aim at the recently announced Stockton ferry repair funding, claiming a new electric fleet would be cheaper.
On Monday, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp announced the state government would be investing $5 million into the repair of the MV Hunter and MV Shortland.
The 40-year-old vessels have faced a slew of technical issues in recent years, momentarily ceasing the Newcastle to Stockton route on several occasions.
Each ferry will undergo significant technical and mechanical upgrades, as well as the installation of accessible infrastructure, set to cost around $2.5 million per vessel.
However, Charlotte McCabe claims the investment is a misuse of government funds, with a replacement electric fleet being the more suitable option.
"These ferries are already coming to the end of their life," said Cr McCabe.
"I would've though the sensible thing to do is invest at this point at the end of their life, rather than funding a way to extend this old technology for another 10 years.
She noted Sydney's ferry fleet is transitioning to zero-emissions technology, with a commitment to be fully electric by 2035.
"If Sydney's going to make a commitment to electric ferries, then why would be push that out for Newcastle for 10 years when we know that operating a diesel ferry is far more expensive," she said.
"We know that $2.5 million is half the cost of a brand new modern electric ferry."
Meanwhile, Tim Crakanthorp has firmly stated an electric fleet would be a far more costly option for both the state government and local council.
"I'm certainly doing as much research as I can," he said.
"I've talked to both the manufacturers Ampcontrol and the Sydney firm.
"You're looking at electric ferries from $15 million to $30 million for new ferries.
"It'll take time."
Under the current plans, Newcastle residents will have to wait until 2036 to see new electric vessels come into play.
