Tasmanian Greens Infrastructure spokesperson Tim Morris MP today welcomed progress on Toll Tasmania’s relocation to the Brighton Transport Hub as another step forward for business productivity in southern Tasmania.
“The hub will deliver a solid boost to productivity in the south, shifting freight off the Midland and Bass Highways and on the more efficient rail network,” Mr Morris said.
“Freight bottlenecks remain a major productivity barrier in Tasmania, and rail is the obvious answer.”
“The benefits of the hub will be felt state-wide, since it will allow TasRail to do the Hobart-to-Burnie round trip within a 24 hour period.”
“It should significantly increase the number of trips on the line, and with the arrival of new rolling stock in the next few months, the future for rail in Tasmania is looking a lot brighter.”
“While there are obvious advantages for TasRail in only running trains from the Brighton Hub, now is the right time to be thinking about the future of the Brighton-to-Hobart link, which is at risk of falling into disrepair.
“There are a range of future options for the line, including some future freight movement along with opening it up to light rail and heritage rail operators.”
“I had a very productive recent meeting with TasRail representatives, and I am optimistic that the Brighton-to-Hobart section can continue to be productively utilised,” Mr Morris said.
Tim Morris MP Greens Infrastructure Spokesperson Tuesday, 9 July 2013
