The vital ferry link between Newcastle and Stockton has been completely suspended for a sixth consecutive day, leaving the peninsula suburb's residents stranded and reliant on replacement buses. The service came to a standstill on November 29 when the MV Shortland was withdrawn, joining the MV Hunter which has been out of action since February.
A Service Adrift with No Clear Answers
As of December 4, authorities appear no closer to resolving the crisis, with key players providing conflicting or non-existent information. The Newcastle Herald's repeated attempts to get clarity have been met with silence or contradictory statements from the state government, operator Keolis Downer Hunter (KDH), and slipway owner Thales.
It remains unclear why the MV Hunter, originally taken out for a routine survey in February, has been sitting idle for months. KDH blames the "ongoing unavailability of a suitable slipway," while Transport for NSW states KDH is "working with the slipway provider to ensure it remains available." Thales has not answered basic questions about the slipway's operational status or timeline.
Conflicting Information and Missed Opportunities
The government says it is urgently exploring options, including using slipways elsewhere, craning vessels, or even towing a ferry to Sydney for repairs. It is also reportedly looking at hiring local vessels for interim support. However, neither KDH nor Transport for NSW has explained why these alternatives were not pursued earlier.
This inaction placed unsustainable pressure on the sole operating vessel, the MV Shortland, which insiders say predictably broke down under the strain. Furthermore, sources suggest KDH managers previously ignored requests for work on the MV Shortland, citing budget concerns—a claim neither KDH nor the government has addressed.
Community Left in the Lurch
The government's stated goal is to return the MV Hunter to service by Christmas, potentially condemning Stockton residents to weeks of bus travel. While replacement bus services are running free of charge during peak times, the loss of the direct, scenic ferry route is a significant blow to the community's connectivity and lifestyle.
Newcastle State MP Tim Crakanthorp says he is in constant communication with the Transport Minister to resolve the issue. A government spokesperson acknowledged the frustration, thanking the community for its patience while investigations into repair options continue daily.
With both ferries moored and idle, the future of this essential transport service remains under a cloud, highlighting a critical failure in maintenance planning and inter-agency communication.
