Labor attacks Government over slow pace of development of Hobart’s northern suburbs rail corridor

It was spruiked as a catalyst for urban renewal and busting Hobart’s traffic congestion, but development of the northern suburbs rail corridor remains stuck at the station, says the Opposition.

• Silence greets bid for new high school
• This couple’s home really is their castle
• Premier extends Tasmania’s border closure

ACTIVATING Hobart’s northern suburbs rail corridor is no closer to reality more than two years after funding was put up by the Federal Government to support its development, says Labor.

Elwick MLC Josh Willie said Labor had included the project in its recently released COVID-19 recovery package.

“After the state and federal governments agreed to accelerate a City Deal for Hobart in 2018, the then-infrastructure minister Rene Hidding, promised to ‘pull out all stops’ to get the passenger rail built within five years,” he said.

“Mr Hidding said work would get underway immediately to activate the corridor, by fixing level crossings and platforms and getting the non-operation line ready for use.

“But, despite the City Deal containing $25 million for reducing congestion, including by activating the northern suburbs corridor, no money has been spent and nothing has been done.

“Passenger rail would be a catalyst for rezoning and construction of affordable housing and business developments, would help ease Hobart’s traffic issues and would give the area a huge boost in both the economic and social recovery from COVID-19.”

GLENORCHY MAYOR’S $100 MILLION VISION FOR LIGHT RAIL

REMOVAL OF TASRAIL TRACKS A ‘STUFF-UP’, GBE HEARING TOLD

Labor MLC for Elwick Josh Willie and Downton Property principal Nat Downton on the disused rail corridor, as Labor calls on the State Government to make a start on its promised passenger rail service to Hobart’s northern suburbs. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Downton Property principal Nat Downton said the rail service would benefit local businesses and residents alike.

“There’s always a big question asked of us when we have interstate purchasers and that’s ‘what is the public transport like’, and at this stage we can only say Metro have some good bus services,” she said.

Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson said Labor was “jumping the gun” and the State Government, working with the Federal Government and Hobart and Glenorchy city councils, would not be rushing a decision.

“It’s not just about rail – it could be about buses or trackless trams – and so we’ve agreed to take it to expert advice and we have it with a consultant at the moment,” he said.

“We will activate the corridor, which means we’ll ensure there’s a way for people to use it again, but we need to know what is the best way forward on this.”

The traffic consultant’s advice is expected to be given to the Government before the end of the year.