Don’t Delay the Train!

To quote from the pre-election policy of Ministers McKim and O’Connor, “Moving NOW to establish a light passenger rail service for Hobart is a responsible step in the right direction.” Minister McKim should adopt his own advice and not procrastinate with this important project.

Despite the grossly under-valued benefits contained in the State Government’s Northern Suburbs Light Rail Business Case, it still mounts a compelling case. Around $80m gets brand new trains, stations and facilities plus a fully upgraded railway for light/commuter rail, tourist/heritage rail, and freight rail. Hence this cost is not simply for light rail as the infrastructure also accommodates, for example, intrastate heritage/tourist trains meeting cruise ships, continued rail freight for Antarctic supply etc.

The annual operating subsidy is commensurate with existing bus passenger subsidies and somewhat less if road damage costs are captured.

The recently released economic development plan for Tasmania promotes innovation and sustainability. Building bigger roads just doesn’t fit into this 10 year plan, whereas rail transit efficiently powered from our renewable energy ticks all the boxes!

The Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources has designs for Brooker Highway widening (6 lanes). A properly integrated light rail system with feeder bus and park ‘n’ ride would likely defer the cost of widening this highway indefinitely; hence light rail is easily the best and most cost effective solution. Add to this the economic and social benefits around stations, Local Government should be insisting Minister McKim rapidly move this project to implementation. The Gold Coast recently received $365m from the Australian Government for its light rail project. An impoverished State Government desperate for sustainable development would do well to follow the lead of other Australian cities and promptly present a better case for light rail to Infrastructure Australia.

The Hobart Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group is hosting a free Community Information Session on Wednesday 14 September, 7pm at the Glenorchy Civic Centre.

Unfortunately Minister McKim, the Chair of the Community Advisory Panel, and the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources have all declined our invitation to present to the community. Thus, leaving the Action Group to interpret the findings of the Business Case and speculate on any future action that may lead a successful bid for Federal funds leading to implementation.

www.facebook.com/pages/Hobart-Northern-Suburbs-Railway/120564300948

Download: HNSR_Poster_Sep11.pdf