Pic: Mathew Sharp
Late June saw Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese hand over $50 million to the State Government for the clean-up and redevelopment of Hobart’s railyards and ferry terminal.
The railyards, which are a prime piece of Hobart real estate, are set to be transformed into a dynamic precinct for retail and hospitality.
As of yet, there has been no definite indication as to what the site would be used for, and there has been doubts about the future of Hobart’s rail line.
In an email sent on behalf of State Minister for Infrastructure and Economic Development David O’Byrne, regarding the future of the Hobart railyards and the rail line, it was heard that “The Government is aware that a number of stakeholders have publicly expressed interest in utilising the Hobart to Brighton rail line that is currently leased to TasRail by the Crown.”
“Any proposal to continue (the rail lines) operational status beyond TasRail’s relocation to Brighton will therefore need to sustain the costs of maintaining the railway line to the required standard, as well as the cost of maintaining and servicing all of the related infrastructure including the pedestrian and level crossings.”
Long time rail observer Phil Lange believes it would be beneficial both economically and as a tourist attraction for Hobart to have light rail going to attractions such as MONA.
“Stimulus is needed to get Hobart and the state moving again.”
“Placing this stimulus in a low to medium socio-economic zone such as the northern suburbs through a passenger rail development that could support both heritage and any future limited freight flow is a great way to achieve this.”
“The attraction of the mode itself will pay longer term benefits, not to mention tourism wins to places like MONA and the Botanical Gardens.”
The rail line, which was last used for passenger traffic in 1978, has since had a decrease in size due to the Intercity Cycleway and development projects alongside the rail corridor.
The redevelopment, slated for late 2013 or early 2014, will occur once TasRail and other shipping companies have vacated the site, and have shifted operations to the Brighton Transport Hub.
Minister for Sustainable Transport Nick McKim was also contacted for comment, but no reply was received.
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