THE state government’s mooted ferry from Werribee to Melbourne, stopping at Altona, has raised questions about how a large commercial vessel could enter Altona’s shallow waters.
Seasoned sailors have also raised concerns about the safety of people aboard a ferry in Port Phillip Bay, which they described as “treacherous” and subject to sudden change.
State Planning Minister Matthew Guy told the Weekly the proposed ferry would stop at Altona, but his spokeswoman, Rochelle Jackson, would not confirm the route.
Altona Yacht Club member Peter Foxcroft said it was doubtful Altona’s water was deep enough to take a big motor ferry. “I think it has a clearance of 1.2 metres at low tide,” he said. “It’s probably not deep enough to take a commercial ferry.”
Hobsons Bay Sport and Game Fishing Club vice-president Mitchell Wagland raised the possibility of extending Altona Pier.
“On a low tide, they wouldn’t get in if it was a deep-hulled boat,” he said. “At worst-case scenario, they could extend the pier.”
A veteran boat pilot, who asked not to be named for commercial reasons, said Altona would have to be constantly dredged to accommodate a ferry. He said the bay could turn unpleasant very quickly.
“Port Phillip Bay can be a very pleasant place too but it can kick up within 20 minutes with a wind change in to really big seas.’’
Altona and Laverton Historical Society presidentPeter Weaver said while a ferry would be a huge boost for the west, Melbourne did not have a sheltered harbour or the same numbers of people accustomed to water transport as Sydney.
“And the size of vessel, to be economically viable, would probably mean that the existing pier would not be robust enough or have the safety features required to berth a vessel of this size.
‘‘Also, would the frequency be enough to make it a useful alternative to a train service?
“If our government and agencies can’t get the train issues Altona is facing sorted out, what chance do we have of having a viable ferry service?”
