Hobart rail action group urges Gov to get on with reopening the northern suburbs rail line

The Hobart Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group has urged the Government to get on with reopening the rail line, saying its by far the “safest bet” when it comes an effective transport option.

An artist’s impression of the Hobart light rail proposal.

SUPPORTERS of a Hobart passenger train service have urged the State Government to get on with reopening the northern suburbs rail line, instead of wasting further time and taxpayers’ money to study alternatives.

The Government yesterday announced it was advertising for a transport consultant to undertake a study into the best solution for delivering an effective transport mode along the rail corridor, which connects Hobart to Brighton.

The study will consider infrastructure needs within the corridor, the ideal surface the particular vehicle type would travel on, station requirements, signalling considerations and integration with other transport options, including access beyond Macquarie Point.

While the Federal Government has committed $25 million to the activation program through the Hobart City Deal, more than $100 million is expected to be required to get the project off the ground.

The remaining rail line near the Regatta Grounds Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Hobart Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group president Michael Hangan yesterday said the study would delay “desperately needed passenger services” into the distant future.

“It’s a waste of money, the information is already there and they just keep delaying doing the actual work,” Mr Hangan said.

“It’s frustrating because this has been an ongoing discussion for more than a decade.

“Why would the Government waste public funds pulling up rail lines when using them is by far the ‘safest bet’ — faster, frequent and most efficient.

“The fixed development and infrastructure that only passenger rail provides, is what property developers seek in financing major rejuvenation of housing and new amenities.”

Mr Hangan said the northern rail corridor kept important rail freight options open to the Port of Hobart, as well as heritage rail options for the tourism industry.

Labor MP David O'Byrne during question time. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Shadow Treasurer David O’Byrne said despite $25 million being allocated to the project, the Government had nothing to show for it but a “thought bubble announcement”.

“After five years of conversations, this lazy Government has done precious little to progress this important development for Hobart’s old northern suburbs rail line apart from seeking yet another report to kick the actual decision down the line,” Mr O’Byrne said.

“Serious questions need to be answered over what Infrastructure Tasmania is actually doing.

“Tasmanians deserve a Government that plans for the future and delivers.”

Tasmanian Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said the State Government needed to “get serious” about a northern suburbs light rail service.

“It’s essential infrastructure for our growing city,” she said.

“Hobart light rail could be built for much less than the new Bridgewater Bridge and deliver substantially greater public benefit.”