Ferry Hall – Community Feedback
Update 2nd October 2026
After undertaking community consultation earlier in the year and presenting the results to Council, Council committed to the following actions in regard to Ferry Hall:
- Working with DECYP to get a better understanding of the condition of Ferry Hall, whether it can be moved and what this may cost.
- Continuing to consider broader community facility needs through the Southern Beaches Plan.
- Further exploring existing community spaces and opportunities within the area, including Forcett Hall.
- Gaining a better understanding of the current condition of Ferry Hall, whether it can be moved and what this may cost.
The Building Act 2016(TAS) requires a relocated building to be considered as a new building constructed under the standards of the day at the time of relocation.
Cost estimates we have sought indicates that relocating and undertaking required works would involve costs between $460,000 and $750,000, depending on the site location and final scope of works required. There is currently no provision in Council’s Long-Term Financial Plan for the acquisition and relocation of Ferry Hall. Funding the project would therefore require Council to defer or reprioritise other identified projects, seek out additional external funding, or consider a combination of these options.
A Historian and Heritage Management Consultant was contacted and advised that, due to the structure’s history of relocation, it is unlikely to meet the criteria for inclusion on the Tasmanian Heritage Register.
Adding a building to the Sorell Local Provisions Schedule (LPS) as a Heritage Place requires a planning scheme amendment. Council starts and participates in the process, but Council isn’t the final decision-maker on changing the LPS. Rather, the Tasmanian Planning Commission is the final decision-maker. The building must be in ‘place’ with a specific address for it to be assessed. So, Ferry Hall would need to be in its new location before this process could be undertaken.
Council owns limited land in the Dodges Ferry area. An appropriate location hasn’t yet been identified but we are working through documenting our advice on potential locations and their suitability.
- Continuing to consider broader community facility needs identified through the Southern Beaches Plan.
- Further exploring existing community spaces and opportunities within the area, including Forcett Hall.
ERA, consultants engaged to develop the Southern Beaches Plan, are currently using consultation feedback to develop the draft copy of the Plan. Council expects the draft in late October, with it to be released for community consultation during November.
We expect the draft Plan will outline recommendations and opportunities that address social infrastructure needs for the growing Southern Beaches community.
DECYP has confirmed that Ferry Hall is surplus to the requirements of the Dodges Ferry Primary School redevelopment. An interested party may be able to acquire the building at no cost, however, responsibility for the costs associated with relocating the building, obtaining the necessary permits and establishing it at a new site would sit with the new owner. This option still stands.
Council staff are working with the Save Ferry Hall group, with the aim of preparing a briefing note for the newly elected Council following the Local Government elections. This will provide the incoming Council with information to help inform future decision making around Ferry Hall.
Update 25th May 2026
We’ve now completed a consultation report, which is being shared with the community for your information. The report provides a summary of the feedback received and outlines the next steps Council will be progressing at this stage.
Update 1st April 2026
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their feedback, whether by completing the survey or attending one of our community information sessions. We appreciate the strong level of community interest and involvement.
The feedback period has now ended, and the survey is closed. We are currently reviewing all feedback received and look forward to sharing an update with the community soon.
Ferry Hall has a long and well-travelled history – from Kellevie, to Lewisham, and eventually to Dodges Ferry, where it has served the community in different ways over time. For many, it holds both practical and sentimental value.
Today, Ferry Hall is owned by the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) and is currently used as a classroom by Dodges Ferry Primary School. As part of the school redevelopment, DECYP has indicated that Ferry Hall is no longer required and that it restricts delivery of contemporary, fit-for-purpose facilities on the site.
Community members have asked Council to consider retaining Ferry Hall and repurposing it as a community facility.
Before any decisions are made, Council is seeking feedback from the Southern Beaches community to help inform next steps.
We want to understand:
• Whether Ferry Hall is needed as a community facility
• How it could be used and who would benefit
• Its value to the Southern Beaches community
• How it fits alongside other local halls and community spaces
How You Can Have Your Say
There are two ways you can share your feedback:
1. Complete the Online Survey
The survey takes around 5 minutes to complete – Click here to access the survey
2. Attend a Community Information Session
Drop in to one of our informal sessions at Okines Community House to learn more and share your thoughts with Council staff:
Friday 13 March | 10.30am – 11.30am
Friday 27 March | 3.30pm – 4.30pm
No bookings required — simply drop in at a time that suits you.
Feedback is open until 31 March. After this date, all community input will be collated and a report prepared for Council to review and consider next steps.