Government, islanders may opt to run Flinders service

The minister last week pledged to unveil a contingency plan during the a standoff between service encumbent Southern Shipping and the crew of its ferry, the Matthew Flinders III.

He confirmed yesterday, on a visit to the island, that Southern Shipping had been served with a breach of service notice and that this process was being worked through.

"This contingency plan includes the option to charter an alternate shipping service to provide emergency back-up shipping in the event that the current service is unable or incapable of meeting its contractual requirements," Mr Sturges said.

LD Shipping's ferry, the Statesman, was in the frame as back-up.

"The Flinders community has told me it is not confident that the current shipping arrangement will meet the next peak in stock demand over the coming months.

"The Flinders Island Council has agreed to look at an alternative commercial option."

The minister reportedly also said the government had the option of taking over the service when Southern Shipping's contract expires in 18 months' time.

Mr Sturges said it was agreed that the state government and the island council would work together to develop options to meet the long-term shipping needs of the island, including a community-owned shipping service.