“TWO FERRIES AT LAWRENCE NEEDED NOW” - WILLIAMSON

Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has called on the NSW Government to urgently restore two ferries at Bluff Point (Lawrence), following a serious incident earlier today.

Mr Williamson said the incident saw the local school bus carrying children become stuck while attempting to board the smaller ferry – the only vessel currently in operation while the larger ferry is out of service for three months.

“Only last year, we tragically lost a life when a cane truck became stuck at this same location. For our children to now be placed at risk is simply unacceptable,” Mr Williamson said.

“By good fortune alone, no one was hurt this morning. The Government must act immediately and restore two ferries to ensure the safety of all who rely on this vital river crossing.

“The situation has been made even worse by the Government’s decision to withdraw the large ferry for maintenance right in the middle of cane season, when heavy vehicle movements are at their peak.”

Mr Williamson has written to the Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, urging the Government to reinstate two ferries during peak times, improve resourcing and reliability, and better communicate with the community.

He said the loss of the Ulmarra–Southgate ferry has compounded the problem, with long delays at Lawrence now commonplace.

“Queuing traffic regularly banks up well into a 100 km/h zone, creating a further hazard. It is crystal clear that one ferry is not enough — the Government must run two ferries during peak times, and it needs to act now,” Mr Williamson said.