Craig Ingram MP - Independent Member for Gippsland East

The Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has supported a decision by the PS Curlip II committee of management to advertise for expressions of interest to test the market for interested private operators to operate the unique paddle streamer.

Mr Ingram said the PS Curlip is an important tourism asset for the East Gippsland region, and it was vital that the best option was found to ensure its financial viability into the future.

“It is essential that while the required slipping and maintenance is carried out, the management issues and the sustainability of the operation must be addressed,” Mr Ingram said.

“While it is clear that the PS Curlip has had some operational challenges and difficulties over the past 14 months, these have led to the difficult decision that the committee has had to take in suspending its current operation.

“Over the past few months I have been involved in discussions with committee representatives, East Gippsland Shire Council and the State Government exploring avenues to assist the Curlip committee and investigating structural, financial and management options for its future.

“The committee has now taken the difficult decision to put the operation out for expressions of interest.

“The best outcome is having the boat back on the water as soon as possible, delivering a high quality tourism experience to visitors and locals alike.

“I will continue supporting and assisting the PS Curlip committee and the Orbost and district community to do everything possible to ensure that the iconic regional tourism image of an operational paddle steamer plying the waters of the Snowy River estuary can continue,” Mr Ingram concluded.

More information on the PS Curlip II is available on the internet at www.paddlesteamercurlip.com.au