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$110m to safeguard critical River Murray ferry services
Monday, 23 September 2024
The state government is investing an extra $37.4 million over ten years – bringing total investment to over $110 million – to safeguard the future of South Australia’s River Murray ferry services.
The funding boost will ensure the State’s twelve free, 24/7 operated ferries – stretching from Lyrup to Narrung – can continue servicing locals and visitors along the River Murray.
The 2022-23 floods highlighted the importance of these services to maintaining connections and supplies, particularly as some local roads closed due to water damage causing lengthy detours.
Without this extra funding boost, the river communities were facing the prospect of downgraded ferry services, with reduced operating hours.
New, up to 10-year contracts (initial five-year term and five-year extension option) for the services begin on 1 November 2024:
- Mannum, upstream and downstream ferries (Murrundi Ferry Services)
- Waikerie (Kingfisher Ferry Services)
- Lyrup (Kingfisher Ferry Services)
- Purnong (Little Ferry Services)
- Wellington (Little Ferry Services)
- Narrung (Little Ferry Services)
- Tailem Bend (Murrundi Ferry Services)
- Walker Flat (Little Ferry Services)
- Morgan (Kingfisher Ferry Services)
- Swan Reach (Little Ferry Services)
- Cadell (Little Ferry Services)
Current ferry services will operate as normal without interruption. The government is working closely with existing and new contractors to ensure a seamless transition.