Expansion boost for bay ferry bid

HOBSONS Bay residents could be swapping car trips for ferry rides into Melbourne within two years following expansion of Wyndham Harbour.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy last week announced plans to add about 150 houses and 500 people to the Werribee South marina development to improve viability of a proposed ferry service from Werribee to the CBD. The government says the ferry will stop at Werribee, Altona and Williamstown.

Mr Guy said Wyndham Harbour was one of the most significant developments for the western suburbs since World War II and the expansion was a key part of a future ferry service.

“This will change the way of thinking about Melbourne’s western suburbs,” he said. ‘‘[The expansion] will increase critical mass for Wyndham Harbour and the population based here at the southern part of the Werribee growth corridor will make a ferry service viable.”