TT -Line in dire straits

The Tasmanian Tourism Council says it knew nothing about Spirit of Tasmania III’s dire financial situation until Friday.

The board of the TT-Line has called on the State Government for an immediate cash injection to prevent to the sale of the ferry.

The chief executive of the Tasmanian Tourism Council, Daniel Leesong, says while he knew it was not all smooth sailing, he had no idea how bad the situation had become.

Mr Leesong says he is disappointed the TT-Line did not confide in the council.

“There hasn’t been any consultation on the decision to sell it as yet and we are certainly awaiting that detailed consultation,” he said.

Unions representing workers on the ship are seeking an urgent meeting with Tasmanian Premier Paul Lennon.

Mike Wickham, from the Maritime Union of Australia, says saving the ferry is essential.

“We’ve got a number of things I think we should be looking at,” he said.

A decision on the future of the financially-troubled Spirit of Tasmania III Sydney/Devonport ferry service will be made in early June, the Tasmanian Government has told mayors in the state’s north-west.

Premier Paul Lennon met the mayors today in Devonport, to brief them on the State Government’s options for the future of Spirit of Tasmania III.

“We now have a situation where a decision is needed to either provide further funding to support Spirit III on top of the $115 million over three years already committed, or discontinue the Sydney service,” Mr Lennon said.

“We were determined to give Spirit III the full summer season to prove itself and we have done that.

“But no one could have foreseen the spike in international oil prices that has had such a major impact on TT-Lines’ operating costs.”

Mr Lennon said a report from Treasury, Tourism Tasmania and the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, on the viability of the service was expected to be completed by Tuesday.

“I want to get all the facts from the relevant government agencies before a decision is made and I want stakeholder groups, such as the coastal councils, to understand the decision before the Government,” Mr Lennon said.

“We have made a brave attempt at making the Sydney ship work and there is strong evidence that it has gone some way towards achieving the bold new targets we set for Tasmanian tourism.”