Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull to help shape Hobart’s transport future

Malcolm Turnbull – the “public transport prime minister” – will headline a forum exploring options that will help shape the future of transport in Hobart. SEE HOW TO ATTEND >>

FORMER prime minister Malcolm Turnbull will be the keynote speaker at a forum this month to discuss the future of Hobart’s transport network.

Mr Turnbull, the architect of the City Deal framework and a strong advocate for public transport, will head a panel for the next CityTalks online forum, Hobart at a Crossroad: Can we be a small city with big transport choices?

UTAS sustainable cities researcher Dr Lisa Stafford and New Zealand-based transport and land use integration specialist Darren Davis will also be on the panel, which will be moderated by Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds.

Heavy traffic leading into Hobart’s CBD. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Cr Reynolds said it was “great” Mr Turnbull was keen to be part of CityTalks and there was no fee being paid for his online participation.

“Why wouldn’t he want to be part of a discussion in one of Australia and the world’s best small cities?” Cr Reynolds said.

“He and his wife Lucy have always been very interested in urban design and city policy.

“Mr Turnbull was known as the ‘public transport prime minister’ and has always been a strong advocate of public transport.

“Hobart is growing quickly and I think everyone acknowledges that major investment in public transport is needed to create a more efficient and accessible city.

“Hobart is a small city with significant geographical constraints. We have a saturated road network and – despite being a capital city – currently lack some of the public transport options that other cities take for granted.

“But, as Hobart grows, so too do the opportunities to expand our transport choices and we have a tremendous opportunity to explore innovative, sustainable and inclusive transport options that will help shape Hobart’s future.”

Former PM Malcolm Turnbull will be the keynote speaker at a public forum on the future of Hobart’s transport network.

Transport was one of the biggest challenges facing the city, she said, and was exacerbated because the city and State have never adequately prepared for this growth.

“Hobart has the lowest use of public transport use out of all capital cities and that’s because there’s been a very conventional view that we are too small for investing in public transport.

“Unfortunately our state government spends the least per person on transport services of all the states and territories. This needs to change.”

It is the fourth CityTalks forum and Cr Reynolds was confident it would be a “thought-provoking” discussion.

“I always learn something and I’m usually inspired about what’s possible for Hobart.

“I hope these CityTalks help people gain a greater appreciation of some of the complexities and challenges of managing modern cities.”

Heavy traffic at the bottom of Davey Street, Hobart. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

The interactive one-hour forum will be held on June 17 at 5pm. The public can register to attend via the UTAS website.

CityTalks is a partnership between the City of Hobart and the University of Tasmania and closing remarks will be provided by UTAS Vice-Chancellor Rufus Black.