State government axes funding for Bike lines trial on Collins St in Hobart’s CBD

The council swooped in to save Collins St bike lanes after the state government pulled funding from the project. But the move hasn’t been welcomed by business owners. POLL INSIDE.

Proposed bike lanes to be installed in Collins Street Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Update: Collins Street business owners John Koulmaris and Lindsey Johnstone aren’t impressed by the Hobart City Council’s move to press ahead with the three-block bicycle lane project.

Mr Koulmandas, owner of Mayfair Cafe on the corner of Collins and Harrington Street, said the proposed loss of 49 carparks in a business-focused area would be detrimental to his business.

Owner of Tasmanian Wine Centre Lindsey Johnstone and Mayfair Cafe owner John Koulmandas say loss of parking from the proposed bike lanes will disrupt their Collins Street businesses. Picture: Genevieve Holding

“First thing in the mornings most of our customers come in by car, like tradies who stop there, get their coffee, drive off,” he said.

“Now, if they get rid of all the car parks on Collins Street, all the hotel guests will be parking on Harrington St, so there’ll be no parking for our customers to stop and get their coffee or food, they’ll just keep on going.”

Mr Koulmandas said through observation from his corner shop, he had only seen “around a handful” of cyclists travelling to work in the morning.

He supports the idea previously raised by Hobart councillor John Kelly for the bike lanes to become clearways after peak traffic hours of the early morning and evening.

Hobart City councillors and alderman with Collins Street business owners and transport minister Eric Abetz meet on Friday following the announcement the state government will pull its $170,000 bike lane funding. Picture: Genevieve Holding

Tasmanian Wine Centre owner Lindsey Johnstone said Collins Street parking is full for most of the day.

“There are gaps every now and then, but most of the time it is, and especially, actually, from 6pm onwards, people go down to the movies or, you know, go to a restaurant and wherever, and they park here,” she said.

“I know there are car parks available for people to go out into the city from this area, but we’ve noticed that at the weekends, it’s completely full as well.

“People like the convenience of parking just out of the central area and then going off for however long they like, whereas it can’t be done if there aren’t any parking spaces.”

Earlier: It’s not over yet for the bike lanes project on Collins St.

The City of Hobart announced they would reallocated funding hours after the state government axed $170,000 towards the project.

In a written statement, the council said it would now reconsider the funding mix for the project that was approved last month.

Cyclist on the intersection of Collins and Barrack Street. Picture: Caroline Tan

Further details are expected to go before the council on Monday night.

Mayor Anna Reynolds shared her disappointment in the state government’s decision but double-downed on the city’s commitment to safer active transport infrastructure.

“We don’t want our city to fall behind other capital cities in providing safer transport choices for residents,” Cr Reynolds said.

“This has been an agreed priority between the City and State Government for many years and we recognise that improving all transport infrastructure is a top priority for Hobart.”

Initial: The future of a trial for Collins St bike lanes is in serious doubt after the state government pulled its support from the project.

Transport Minister Eric Abetz announced on Friday morning that the funding would be axed after reviewing feedback from affected community members.

Transport Minister Eric Abetz.

“There was considerable concern in the community about this measure, and we have listened,” Mr Abetz said.

The Collins St tactical cycleway had been granted $170,000 towards its construction by the state government under the better active transport in greater Hobart program.

The decision does not impact the $120,000 in grants for the Hobart City Council’s planned upgrades at Castray Esplanade and Augusta Road that was also part of the program’s funding.

The move has drawn criticism already from the Bike Network.

Public Affairs Manager Alison Hetherington said the decision flew in the face of government strategies for active transport.

“To have the government pull funding for a trial for just three blocks of one city street brings into question their commitment to active transport,” Ms Hetherington said.

“The recent budget slashes funding for active transport infrastructure in future years and now we see the government pulling money that had already been promised.

“The transport plan for the proposed Macquarie Point stadium has Collins Street as a central active transport spine leading into the precinct. If the government is refusing to fund just three blocks of a trial what is the likelihood any money will be going to the infrastructure needed for the rest of the network?”

The controversial project had drew the ire of business owners who were opposed to the removal of 59 car parks.

More to come.