Re: Proposal for relocation of Hindmarsh Island Ferry Service to Clayton per Meningie Ngarrindjeri Land Council Inc., Ngarrindjeri Land & Progress Association Inc., and Meningie CDEP.

[DATE ……….]

To:

Re: Proposal for relocation of Hindmarsh Island Ferry Service to Clayton per Meningie Ngarrindjeri Land Council Inc., Ngarrindjeri Land & Progress Association Inc., and Meningie CDEP

Dear ,

I understand that the South Australian Government has received a proposal for retaining a ferry to Kumarangk (Hindmarsh Island) with re-locating the ferry formerly operating at Goolwa, to service a Clayton to Hindmarsh Island ferry route. It is also my understanding that this proposal was submitted by Mr. Tom Trevorrow, (Chairperson of the Ngarrindjeri Land and Progress Association Inc. - NLPA, and the Ngarrindjeri Meningie Land Council Inc., and Manager of Camp Coorong). I wish to indicate my strong support to such a proposal for what I believe is an exciting opportunity for a 'Reconciliation Ferry'.

This proposal not only represents a chance for the State Government to make a true, recognisable step towards reconciliation in South Australia, but also offers the prospect of new job opportunities within the local aboriginal community, of promoting cultural exchange and understanding across communities in our State. The prospect for a new tourist drive to and from Adelaide, crossing Hindmarsh Island, would transform the idea of cultural exchange activities on the island into a positive development for the Ngarrindjeri community while also offering diversity of tourism attractions to the area.

The Hindmarsh Island bridge affair, as you know, has divided and hurt local communities over almost a decade. This proposal provides a real workable solution to on-going distrust, pain, sadness and bitterness within many members of the local population. As you may also realise, the Ngarrindjeri people are culturally unable to make use of the new bridge to access to their property on Hindmarsh Island.

I am calling upon your consideration, Mr/Ms ......., to provide your full support to the ferry relocation proposal and to support the South Australian and Australian Governments engaging as soon as possible in positive discussions and negotiations with Ngarrindjeri community to materialise this exciting and creative initiative.

Yours sincerely

Cc Tom Trevorrow
Ngarrindjeri Land and Progress Association Inc
PO Box 126
MENINGIE SA 5264