Drivers using the Bluff Point ferry at Lawrence are waiting up to an hour to cross the Clarence River, with a school bus getting stuck when boarding the ferry last Thursday sparking panic in parents.

The situation brought back memories of a tragic incident on July 25, 2025, when a 67-year-old man died when his cane truck slipped into the river while trying to board the ferry.

When parents were contacted by their children who were on the bus about the situation, some jumped in their cars to drive to the ferry, and others posted about their panic and frustration on social media.

The traffic on the Bluff Point ferry has increased following the closure of the 74-year-old Ulmarra to Southgate ferry, which was decommissioned by Transport for NSW on June 10, 2024.

Compounding the situation is the smaller 18 car ferry that is already in use at the Bluff Point crossing, despite plans by Transport for NSW.

Not long after the bus incident on Thursday, Transport for NSW sent out a statement advising of changed traffic conditions at the Bluff Point ferry.

“Motorists using the Bluff Point Ferry at Lawrence are advised of changed traffic conditions from Monday 8 September,” a spokesperson said.

“The 24-car ferry will be taken offline for essential scheduled maintenance and will be replaced with an alternate 18-car ferry.

“The 24-car ferry is expected to be back online by the end of November.

“Motorists may experience delays due to the reduced ferry capacity and are encouraged to allow additional travel time, avoid peak periods where possible and consider the alternative route via Grafton.

“The existing backup ferry will remain onsite and will operate in the event of any unforeseen service disruptions.

“Intermittent service disruptions may occur during the ferry changeovers which are scheduled to occur between 2 September and 6 September, weather permitting.

“Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.

“Subscribe to the Bluff Point Ferry SMS messaging to receive updates direct to your phone, search for Lawrence – Bluff Point Ferry – Northern Ferries | Transport for NSW.”

Member for Clarence Richie Williamson called on the NSW Government to urgently review the safety and operations of the ferry last Thursday following the bus incident.

He said the incident saw the local school bus carrying children become stuck while attempting to board the smaller ferry the only vessel currently in operation with the larger ferry out of service.

Mr Williamson said this situation created completely unacceptable risks to passenger safety.

“Only last year, we tragically lost a life when a cane truck became stuck on this same ferry service,” he said.

“For our children to now be placed at risk in a similar situation is simply unacceptable.

“By good fortune alone, no one was hurt.

“The government must act immediately to ensure the safety of all who rely on this vital river crossing.”

Mr Williamson wrote to the Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, urging the government to commit operating two ferries during peak times to improve safety and reduce delays, improve resourcing and reliability of the service, and better communicate with the community on ferry operations.

He said the loss of the Ulmarra -Southgate ferry has compounded the problem, with long delays at Lawrence now commonplace.

“Queuing traffic regularly banks up well into a 100km/h zone, creating a further hazard on top of the operational safety concerns,” he said.

“The safety of school children, resident, and all road users must be the highest priority.

“It is crystal clear that one ferry is not enough the government must run two ferries during peak times, and it needs to act now.”

Just as the Clarence Valley Independent was approaching deadline Transport for NSW announced a solution to the long delays for people using the ferry.

“From Tuesday 9 September, two 18-car ferries will operate at Lawrence on weekdays between 6am and 10am and 2pm and 6pm,” Transport for NSW said in an alert.

“Outside of these hours, one 18-car ferry will operate.

“This arrangement will be in place while the 24-car ferry is undergoing essential maintenance.”

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 10 September 2025.