TASKFORCE TO DRIVE LIGHT RAIL

MONA Community Forum Makes Benefits Clear

The Tasmanian Greens welcomed today’s announcement of a partnership of state and local government decision makers, united in their commitment to get a light rail up running through Greater Hobart.

Acting Greens Leader, Tim Morris MP, who attended the community stakeholder forum on light rail today at MONA, said that it was clear just how beneficial light rail could be for people living and working in and around Hobart.

“It was made explicitly clear that, in cities around the world, public transport use is increasing, more authorities are building light rail lines, and car use is decreasing,” said Mr Morris.

“This clear trend shows that the over-dominance of cars in urban areas, as espoused by the likes of Bob Cotgrove, is the mindset of a bygone era.”

“The Greens have been campaigning for Hobart to be one of these cities, with its own light rail, since the 1980s.”

Mr Morris said that to help make that a reality, Nick McKim, in his capacity as Minister for Sustainable Transport, has invited the following key decision makers from state and local government, to work together make Greater Hobart light rail a reality.

Those invited to be on the taskforce are: Mayor of Hobart, Alderman Damon Thomas, Lord Mayor of Glenorchy, Alderman Stuart Slade, Chair of the Tasmanian Planning Commission, Greg Alomes, Minister for Economic Development, David O’Byrne MP, Minister for Community Development, Cassy O’Connor MP, Minister for Local Government, Bryan Green MP and Minister for Sustainable Transport Nick McKim MP.

Mr Morris said the intention was for this cross-jurisdictional cooperation to overcome some of the obstacles to a light rail being built, so that people living and working in the Greater Hobart area can travel in a clean, modern and affordable way.

“The forum made clear that a light rail is a genuine winner. The project, which has tri-party support, would boost liveability, enhance social inclusion, drive down emissions and bring about a whole range of economic benefits.”

“This is an example of the opportunities that can be created by future proofing our communities,” said Mr Morris.
Tim Morris MP Greens Acting Leader Friday, 15 February 2013