Mayors of Hobart and Glenorchy urge consideration of light rail alternative
THE mayors of Hobart and Glenorchy have called for the Hobart Light Rail Project to be considered a strategic infrastructure priority.
Politics
Don't miss out on the headlines from Politics. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE mayors of Hobart and Glenorchy have called for the Hobart Light Rail Project to be considered a strategic infrastructure priority ahead a public lecture by internationally renowned sustainability professor Peter Newman at the Town Hall tonight.
The Mayors are jointly hosting the public lecture “Will Hobart ever do Light Rail: A Global Context” where Prof Newman, of Curtin University, will present the case and lay down a challenge to all levels of government to deliver on this project.
Glenorchy mayor Kristie Johnston said she personally believed “the rail project would be the catalyst for real economic development, employment growth, improved social and community wellbeing and sustainability that is greatly needed in Glenorchy”.
“The new Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, has recognised the strategic importance of investment in public transport infrastructure, and now is the time for southern Tasmania to put its case forward for investment in this cost effective public transport project,” Ald Johnston said.
“The Hobart-Brighton railway is a very obvious choice to revolutionise our transport system. This asset is sitting idle and we would be foolish not to use it.”
Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey said “terminating rail freight services at Brighton has put further pressure on the Brooker Highway and Main Rd is also congested. I personally believe a modern city needs a modern transport system and people need alternatives”.
Prof Newman’s latest book, The End of Automobile Dependence, illustrates how the decline of the automobile empire is a hopeful development, and explains how cities can achieve the most productive and sustainable outcomes during this time of change.
‘Will Hobart ever do Light Rail? A Global Context’ is on at Hobart Town Hall from 6pm-7.30pm. More details here.
Stand by your man: Premier backs embattled Minister
Despite a looming no confidence motion over the handling of T-T Line and TasPorts, Michael Ferguson still has the support of the Premier, who backed him in this morning. Here’s what was said.
O’Byrne pulls plug on support for Ferguson, says Premier must act
The survival of key Liberal Michael Ferguson hangs by a thread after key independent David O’Byrne declared he had lost confidence in the beleaguered Treasurer and Deputy Premier. What Mr O’Byrne said >>