Hobart’s future as an international research centre would be enhanced by stronger transport links between research sites, according to lord mayoral candidate Deputy Lord Mayor Helen Burnet.
“The issue of travel between the new Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and the CSIRO on the waterfront with the University campus at Sandy Bay is particularly important because there will be no parking provided at IMAS, and UTAS parking is already stretched”, said Ald Burnet.
“People working at the CSIRO have long been talking about the urgent need, before IMAS even starts, for a shuttle bus linking the CSIRO and UTAS for students, and for Antarctic and Climate Research Centre staff, as well as for people attending seminars”, Ald Burnet said.
“Such a shuttle service could also make a loop to include the Menzies Centre and the Art School”, Ald Burnet said.
Ms Burnet said that she was aware of some support for the proposal from the University, but that more voices needed to be heard.
“A private college, Jane Franklin Hall, already runs an almost continuous bus service between the college, UTAS, the medical school and the Art school. If a private residential college can do this, why can’t UTAS do it?” Ald Burnet said.
“While an extension of the Metro Busy Bee service through Battery Point has been mooted for when IMAS is completed, the bus would stop at all stops so it’s dubious if it would service the needs of people who need to get to UTAS or IMAS lectures and meetings at set times”, Ald Burnet said.
Ald Burnet said that she also supported other transport options between sites, including the recently announced e-bike scheme and cycleway facilities.
