The ferry is expected to be slipped for around six weeks from October 16. The Hibbard ferry will be relocated to operate from the Settlement Point end.

There is expected to be longer wait times.

Northside Progress Association president Kingsley Searle said it was critical for residents needing water supplies to consider getting it delivered sooner rather than later.

"There will be substantial delays," Mr Searle said.

"If people are short of water, we would advise to get that water delivered now.

"As well, we are encouraging new residents to talk to longer term residents about how they managed their way through this experience.

"There is a lot of car pooling and we'd suggest cutting down your travelling to essential trips only," he said.

"Some people even take this time out for a holiday."

Other strategies include leaving one car on the Settlement Point side and then walking onto the ferry.

Mr Searle said the association had asked for a meeting with stakeholders to ensure everyone was on the same page.

He said North Shore residents did not want to see a repeat of the ferry breaking down at a time when students were leaving for school.

"We have some systems in place and we want to make sure we have support from the key stakeholders," he said.

The association president said despite the inconvenience, the experience also had the effect of galvanising community spirit and support.

The Settlement Point ferry will be taken offline at 10am on Wednesday October 16.

This is to conduct the ferry's scheduled out of water dry dock slipping inspection and programmed maintenance, which occurs every four years.

The work is a requirement under the Marine Safety National Law Act to ensure the safety and longevity of the ferry.

To enable the relocation, access across the Hastings River via the Hibbard Ferry will be closed from 6.50pm on Tuesday October 15, with traffic being redirected to the Settlement Point Ferry crossing.

On Wednesday October 16, whilst the Hibbard Ferry is made operational at the Settlement Point crossing, there will be no access across the Hastings River between the hours of 10am and 1pm.

During this three-hour period, Council in alliance with the NSW Ambulance Service and SES have made provision to handle any emergency that may arise on the North Shore.

Council encourages the community to plan ahead during the six week period by allowing extra travel time.

A commuter bus service will be provided on the north side of the river to cater for school children and other users travelling from the Riverside Drive area to the Settlement Point crossing and return.

This shuttle will operate between the hours of 6.25am until 9am and 3pm until 5.45pm on weekdays.

Normal school bus services will operate from Settlement Point, and will cater for the children that normally use the Hibbard Ferry.

For information on the bus services affected, please contact Busways on 6583 2499 or visit busways.com.au

For further information on Port Macquarie-Hastings ferries visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/ferrymaintenance or call Council on 6581 8111.

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