Australians have been left fuming after the discovery that a ferry was named "Ferry McFerryface", based on the whim of the New South Wales Transport Minister.
Andrew Constance chose the name, after a $100,000 competition to name a new fleet of five Sydney ferries, 9 News reports.
The irreverent choice ignored the actual shortlisted names, including Clean Up Australia founder Ian Kiernan and Sydney Opera House architect Jorn Utzon.
Ian Kiernan was actually the legitimate winner for the ferry naming, taking out 2025 public votes, next to Ferry McFerryface's 182.
Mr Constance said the name brought attention to the ferry, both worldwide and from children, and was just a little bit of fun.
"We got global attention, and a bit of fun for the kids with selfies and grandparents," Mr Constance told 9 News.
"We followed the panel recommendations for the first five, but for the last one, we thought 'let's do something a bit different'."
After summer has ended, the ferry will be renamed, becoming May Gibbs, in honour of the iconic Australian children's author.
"This will retain the vessel's appeal to our youngest customers, while also recognising an Australian icon with a long connection to Sydney," said Mr Constance.
The other five boats in the fleet named Catherine Hamlin, Fred Hollows, Victor Chang, Pemulwuy and Bungaree will keep their names.
Notably, Ian Kiernan still missed out altogether, despite earning the most public votes.
Newshub.
