Article: Ken Newman and Bennelong federal Liberal MP John Alexander support whar

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Ken Newman and Bennelong federal Liberal MP John Alexander support wharf at Ermington

14 Nov 12 @ 05:57am by Di Bartok
Benelong federal Liberal MP John Alexander and ferry proponent Ken Newman check out the potential terminal site on the Parramatta River at Ermington. Picture: PHIL ROGERS

WITH all the new high-end residential development in Ermington, residents feel it is about time for their own ferry service.

At the head of the charge is community leader Ken Newman, who is pushing for federal and state funding for a ferry terminal and commuter parking off Spurway St.

"We had a ferry terminal here years ago and now it's time to have one again, with all this redevelopment of the naval stores site into premier Stockland housing," Mr Newman said.

DOES ERMINGTON NEED A FERRY TERMINAL? TELL US BELOW

"Stockland has built 131 new residences and Defence Housing has 300 new units, plus all the development going up on Silverwater Rd.

"We need to get cars off the road, and with the river right here, it is ideal to get people on the Rivercat to the city."

Mr Newman said the commuter parking could serve the sporting facilities on the weekend.

"With all these sporting facilities, people are parking outside people's houses on the weekend. The new parking could cater for commuters during the week and for sports during the weekend."

The whole project is estimated to cost around $6 million, paid for by a combination of state and federal funding, though Bennelong Federal Liberal MP John Alexander feels there could be a user-pays element, given the benefit to residents' property values.

Mr Alexander met Mr Newman on site last week and agreed to support the proposal by discussing it with NSW Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian.

http://parramatta-advertiser.whereilive.com.au/news/story/ken-newman-and-bennelong-federal-liberal-mp-john-alexander-support-wharf-at-ermington/