Exclusive polling shows strong support for light rail in Hobart’s northern suburbs
EXCLUSIVE: Tasmanians have voted. It’s time for Hobart to jump on board light rail.
Tasmania
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TASMANIANS strongly support the development of a light rail service for Hobart.
Exclusive ReachTEL polling, commissioned by the Mercury, shows that only two in 10 Denison voters are opposed to the proposal, with 62.2 per cent in favour.
Of Tasmanians polled across all electorates, 45.3 per cent said Hobart needed a light rail system and 30.5 per cent were opposed.
Almost one is four was still undecided.
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The results have prompted calls from light rail supporters for the State Government to back the proposal.
“Despite [Infrastructure Minister] Rene Hidding’s misleading statements that Hobart’s light rail ‘isn’t currently viable’, your polling clearly demonstrates overwhelming support for the rail project in southern electorates,” Hobart Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group president Ben Johnston told the Mercury.
“The majority clearly see the value in using an existing infrastructure asset and future proofing our capital city with sensible transport options.”
On a visit to Hobart in early November, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told the Mercury he was keen to negotiate a “city deal” for Hobart, which could help facilitate a light rail system and modern public transport network.
“We’re very open, in fact enthusiastic, about talking about it,” Mr Turnbull said at the time.
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However, Denison independent Andrew Wilkie, a long-term supporter of light rail, said the ball appeared to be in the State Government’s court.
Mr Hidding has ruled out light rail in the very near future, arguing it is not economically feasible.
MORE: MAYORS URGE CONSIDERATION OF LIGHT RAIL ALTERNATIVE
“The Government’s view, supported by Infrastructure Tasmania, is that while light rail is not currently economically feasible, its time will come,” Mr Hidding said.
“That’s why the Hodgman Government strongly supports the strategic retention of non-operational rail corridors for future use, including the corridor through Hobart’s northern suburbs.”
Mr Wilkie said he said not surprised by the very strong support for light rail.
“The project has great merit, so much so that the Prime Minister raised it with me personally during our recent meeting,” Mr Wilkie said.
“Clearly it will link communities, ease traffic congestion, help clean up the environment and save people money.
“Regrettably though, despite the Prime Minister’s keen interest in light rail, the Tasmanian Government must stop dragging its heels and get behind the project.
“The ball is in the Premier’s court and I’ll continue to lobby him to listen to the Tasmanian community and show his support for light rail.”
Service recipe for success, says manager
LORETTA LOHBERGER
LIGHT rail would bring more people to Hobart’s northern suburbs to enjoy what the area has to offer, a Moonah businesswoman says.
St Albi restaurant general manager Lucy Baker said most of her customers were locals but a light rail link would encourage more visitors to Hobart to explore the north of the city.
“It would be a great opportunity ... it would open it up so much,” she said.
“Tourists might go to MONA and that’s kind of it in the northern suburbs.
“There’s a lot more going on out here than people actually realise.”
She said the Moonah Arts Centre and cafes and restaurants in the area could all be drawcards for tourists.
Ms Baker said she would also like to see light rail extend through the northern suburbs to New Norfolk.
“It would also be beautiful to go out near Granton and along the water,” she said.
Ms Baker said when her friends visited from Melbourne she liked to take them to New Norfolk and enjoy parts of Tasmania off the main tourist trail. She said a light rail link would make it easier for tourists to see such places.
But it’s not just the tourists Ms Baker thinks will benefit from light rail. She said her customers came mostly from around Hobart.
“People always drive here. Driving is the only option on a Friday and Saturday night,” she said.
“It would just be lovely if people did not have to worry about driving. It would reduce a lot of people’s carbon footprint. It’s also quicker, you don’t have to be in traffic.
“I just think it would be such a great opportunity.”
matthew.smith@news.com.au
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