Government announces $1 million study to examine possible city congestion busters

A $1 million study will examine whether bypass roads or tunnels might ease Hobart’s traffic crisis.

traffic in Macquarie St Hobart just after 5.30pm. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

A $1 MILLION study will examine whether bypass roads or tunnels might ease Hobart’s traffic crisis, Premier Will Hodgman announced on Tuesday.

Mr Hodgman announced the traffic study along with money for stage two of the Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment, a bushfire inquiry and new urban planning laws.

“We’re bringing forward $1 million in this year’s budget to allow investigations to commence on alternative traffic routes through Hobart and this work will consider all possible options – whether a bypass roads, tunnels or a mix of both,” Mr Hodgman said.

“These are long term intergenerational infrastructure projects which recognise that in the future, Hobart's existing traffic network in the CBD will reach its practical limits.”

But Labor roads spokesman David O’Byrne described the announcement as “an embarrassing admission of failure from a Government with no ideas”.

“Tasmanians caught on congested roads want action, not more long-winded studies,” he said.

An upbeat Premier laid out his vision for Tasmania in his State of the State address on the opening day of State Parliament.

SOMBRE START TO NEW PARLIAMENTARY YEAR

A balanced budget and a promise that the state’s best days still lie ahead are the cornerstones of the Liberal Government’s political agenda for 2019.

“It is an exciting time to be in Tasmania,” he said. “Our state is growing like never before.

“For only the fifth time in a quarter of a century, Tasmania's economic growth for the last financial year was higher than the nation's and per capita we are growing in our fastest rate in a decade – nearly double the national average.

“In many key indicators Tasmania is ranked number one — and it's not just in the economic indicators.

Mr Hodgman spoke of a booming state, “culturally confident”, with a growing population, increasing visitor numbers and strong exports.

He said the review into the recent bushfires would be headed by West Australian fire service Deputy Commissioner Mal Cronstedt.

“It will examine the causes, chronology and response to the 2018/19 bushfires in Tasmania with terms of reference to inquire inquiry into timeliness, impact and effectiveness of strategies programs resourcing and agencies,” Mr Hodgman said.

“The Cronstedt review will provide a means for members of the public and other interested parties to make submissions.”

The terms of reference for the review will be released later this month and will report by the end of July.

Also in Tuesday’s speech, Mr Hodgman announced plans for changes to planning rules for city developments.

PREMIER TO OUTLINE HIS TO-DO LIST

“We will for the first time develop new planning rules that focus on medium-rise developments and gentle infill projects that provide attractive options for people looking to live close to work and enjoy more city living has to offer.

“This can be achieved through good urban planning and design that addresses the need for more affordable housing while protecting and adding to the Tasmanian way of life.”

Mr Hodgman released his “Agenda 2019” document – a quarter-by-quarter list of everything the Government hopes to achieve in the next year from creating Tasmania’s next iconic walk to releasing the Tasmanian Acid Mine Drainage Guidelines as part of the Mining Sector Innovation Program.