Burns Point Ferry service to be retained
The Burns Point Ferry service linking Ballina and South Ballina will remain in service despite it running at a loss, but users will face a fee rise.
Ballina Shire Council this week received a staff report which said and recommended:
- The council should retain the service and continue its operation by council.
- The current fee structure sees a gross imbalance between the revenue per journey of casual users compared with that paid by season ticket holders.
- That the council make significant changes to the service’s revenue arrangements.
The budget for the ferry service this year is $425,900.
The council’s decision to keep the service in operation will be welcomed by anglers, surfers and tourists. If the service was discontinued, users of South Ballina beach would have to drive to Wardell and access South Ballina through Empire Vale, meaning the journey would take more time and cost more through the added fuel usage.
The council hopes to see the ferry running without the deficit within five years.
