A dramatic incident at Balmain East Wharf on New Year’s Eve has raised serious safety concerns, as footage reveals passengers scrambling to board a ferry amid staffing issues. The video, sourced by 9News, captures a man leaping from the wharf onto the ferry, prompting others to follow, while a deckhand struggles with the ramp.
The event coincided with a surge in attendance, as Balmain offered a prime view of the inaugural fireworks display on the western side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Approximately 30,000 people relied on ferry transport that night. However, Paul Garrett, secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia, attributed the ensuing chaos to inadequate staffing and security, citing cost-cutting measures and poor planning as contributors to the unsafe environment. He condemned placing ferry workers in such perilous situations, calling it “dangerous and unsafe”.
In response, Howard Collins, the Transport for NSW coordinator-general, acknowledged that they anticipated larger crowds but did not foresee the reckless behaviour exhibited by some passengers. He noted there were alternative ferries available that night, suggesting that the issue lay more in public judgement than logistics.
The incident is prompting Transport for NSW to evaluate and improve staffing and security at ferry wharves, especially during major events. Collins stated they plan to enhance security measures and support for staff, reviewing protocols annually.
The union has indicated that this is not an isolated incident, urging that additional staffing is necessary at ferry wharves city-wide, indicating that overcrowding is a recurring issue at other events, such as the Vivid festival. Garrett emphasised the essential need for better resources, particularly during peak occasions like New Year’s Eve.