Council’s long-term maintenance program for the Raymond Island Ferry requires the ferry to be periodically decommissioned for slipping and maintenance.

Council advises that the ferry will be decommissioned directly after the early-morning train service with one trip at 5.20 am on Monday, 4 October 2021. It is scheduled to return to service at 5.00 pm Monday, 25 October 2021.

Alternative arrangements will be made available, some are listed below, for the full list please refer to the Raymond Island Ferry-Service Charter, on this website on the Raymond Island Ferry section under the Community tab.

A Raymond Island community bus will be operated by the volunteers from the Raymond Island Community Association (RICA) for travel to and from the designated water taxi landing areas.

-       Bookings are essential for the bus, contact RICA on 0477 325 129.

-       Dangerous goods and flammable liquids cannot be carried on the bus.

-       Animals, other than assistance dogs, are not permitted on the bus.

-       Alcohol cannot be consumed on the bus.

A vehicular barge will be available for emergency travel.

-       The barge will be available for private use. Costs and conditions apply (refer to the Service Charter for full details.)

-       Emergency service requirements will take priority over private use.

Carparking will be made available on the vacant land on the east side of the Ferry Café

-       The parking area will open from 10am Saturday, October 2. Please ensure your vehicles are parked in this area prior to the last trip Sunday, October 3, 2021, as there is only one crossing on Monday, October 4 2021 (primarily for residents who use the early-morning train).  

-       The car park will close on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 5.00 pm, please ensure your vehicle is removed by this date so as not to incur a retrieval fee.

-       Parking at this location is at your own risk. Council takes no responsibility for any loss or damage occurring from the use of this area and all damage should be reported to police.

The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions for public transport will apply at the time of alternative travel on the community bus and barge and may include (but not limited to):

-       Registration using the Vic Service QR code or hard copy registration priory to entry.

-       Masks to be worn while using public transport.  

During the first week of maintenance, the ferry will remain connected to the chains and stay berthed on the Paynesville side of the channel, where it will have a new engine and genset installed. So while it may seem to be in operation, this is not the case.

During the decommissions we will communicate through the following channels if there are any changes to the maintenance timeframe:

- SMS alert service                        

- East Gippsland Shire Council website

- Council’s social media pages      

- LED signage located above both ferry terminals

To view the Raymond Island Ferry Service Charter detailing the service agreements for decommission of the ferry, visit https://bit.ly/3A8Z8i4 or contact our Customer Service Team on 5153 9500 for assistance.

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