Last night’s decision by the Bass Coast Shire Council to reject a car ferry terminus at the Cowes Jetty Triangle is a victory for the community and a victory for common sense.
The community owes a huge debt of gratitude to Ian Samuel, Tracey Smythe and the many others who worked tirelessly to ensure that the community’s voice was heard.
I spoke to many Phillip Island residents about this issue and it was clear that the vast majority were passionately opposed to the plan.
The idea of sacrificing Cowes beach for a car ferry terminus was completely unacceptable.
Cowes has one of the loveliest and most popular beaches in Victoria. It is a massive drawcard for tourists and families throughout Victoria and beyond.
Locating a car ferry terminus at Cowes beach would have all but destroyed it.
It was clear from the start that the plan was foolhardy and unwise and I find it incredible that it went as far as it did.
I am extremely relieved that the Bass Coast Council has seen sense and rejected this plan.
While I very much support the car ferry proposal and believe it would provide a terrific boost to local tourism, there needs to be a detailed exploration of alternative locations for the terminus.
I am convinced that a more suitable location for this ferry terminus can be found elsewhere on Phillip Island.