Busloads of locals from Cadell and from other parts of the Riverland and elsewhere are heading to the city tomorrow for a protest rally to try to prevent closure of their ferry.

The late morning protest is to be held on the steps of Parliament House.

Transport Minister Pat Conlon insists the decision to take away the service from this Saturday was not done lightly.

The state government claims it’ll save $400,000 by cutting the ferry – one of 12 in service and the only one of 12 ferry services not covered by a contract for the next 12 months.