Greater Hobart mayors make transport wishlist ahead of state budget
Here’s something the greater Hobart mayors all agree on — something needs to be done to address the city’s transport troubles. Here’s their state budget wishlist.
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Greater Hobart mayors demand the state government do its bit to modernise the transport network that nearly half the state relies on.
Mayors from Hobart, Clarence, Glenorchy and Kingborough are pressing the Tasmanian government to increase investment in transport infrastructure and services to support growth in the region ahead of the 2025-26 State Budget.
Guy Barnett will be handing down his first budget as state treasurer on Thursday, May 29.
The four mayors said commuters across Greater Hobart comprised approximately 40 per cent of the state’s population.
They believe several key transport initiatives would benefit from additional state government support.
Top of the list included increased Metro bus services and further reduced commuter fares — a cost of living measure to halve bus tickets is set to expire at the end of the financial year.
The River Derwent Ferry Terminal Network is set to expand to Sandy Bay and Lindisfarne over the next four years, but the mayors have asked for additional ferry services.
The mayors want capital funding accelerated for the long-awaited Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor — which is proposed to link Glenorchy to Hobart via the disused freight rail line, using a rapid bus transit system.
Active transport and cycling infrastructure across Greater Hobart was another wish.
The councils have also pitched for the state government to undertake a dedicated study to find a long-term solution to the Tasman Bridge.
City of Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the region urgently needed a more reliable and better funded public transport system.
“Having more transport options is the best solution to busting congestion and will make our city more efficient and accessible,” Ms Reynolds said.
“We are calling on the state government to increase Metro bus services and provide dedicated funding to operationalise the expansion of the River Derwent ferry network.”
Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley is pushing for a study into a long-term solution to replace or duplicate the Tasman Bridge.
“It took over 30 years to deliver the new Bridgewater Bridge — it’s now time to start planning for what comes next for the Tasman Bridge and we urge the state government to lead on this important issue,” Mr Blomeley said.
The Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor is a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve housing supply and diversity, Glenorchy mayor Sue Hickey says.
“The project has been touted for many years but we need to see a specific commitment from the state government to get this progressing in a meaningful way,” Ms Hickey said.
Kingborough mayor Paula Wriedt was eager for the state government to increase support for active transport and cycling infrastructure across Greater Hobart.
“Moreover, we’re always indicating our interest in working more closely with the state government on transport planning and delivery across the region,” Ms Wriedt said.
“We’d like to continue to work together to reset transport strategy and ensure we’re funding and delivering the right projects for Greater Hobart’s future.”
Originally published as Greater Hobart mayors make transport wishlist ahead of state budget
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