Economy
Marti’s Grand Vision
For too long the debate has been around upgrading the Midland Highway, passenger train services and the list goes on. What we need is to have a “grand vision” transport plan with a starting point and work towards achieving it.
Link Tasmania is a “Vision” to evaluate Tasmania’s current transport options, expand on them and link Tasmania “within” and expand on the current “mainland” links.
This can be achieved in 3 stages:
Stage 1: Create additional transport infrastructure within Tasmania
Stage 2: Enhance / maximise opportunities with the current connection to Victoria
Stage 3: Create additional direct links to other states within Australia ACT, NSW
Stage 1 – LINK TASMANIA WITHIN
• Implement a Super coach service from Hobart to Launceston return
— Its like “Flying on the road”
o A twice daily service from Hobart and Launceston
o This could be the catalyst to link the two major parts of Tasmania
o Expand it to Hobart to Devonport a and Launceston
Utilised for the movement of tourists, Cruise ship arrivals, freight services business and government travel that will result in productivity benefits in particular in the business, legal and government domain. Details of the above already exist (I have had the privilege of seeing this amazing proposal) and could be implemented within a 12 month period.
Other Tasmania links
• A super coach service from the East Coast travelling to the North and South
• Linking the North and South with the West coast
• As I have an understanding of the Southern area I will add
o A rail link from Hobart to Northern Suburbs
o A rail link from Hobart to Airport and maybe Sorell
o A rail Link from Hobart to Kingborough
— All of the above with park and ride facilities at appropriate points
— All of the above with a bikeway track where appropriate
— All of the above with connecting small shuttle buses similar to Perth
• Shuttle ferry services on the river Derwent which is currently under consideration
• Of course a cable car for Mount Wellington which has been on the debate table for years
• There are many other destination points that need to be considered as part of a Grand plan
For example. A rail link from Hobart to Sorell would see infrastructure costs of busses that travel from within these destinations including the Airport being either deleted or reconsidered. Including a Bicycle path and park & ride facilities built along the route, this would assist in the traffic movements including the congestion on the Tasman bridge.
Stage 2 & 3 – LINK TASMANIA, VICTORIA AND ACT, NSW
The debate seems to simmer on about fast ferries across Bass Straight. Consider options that will enhance the current two ferry concept that may include.
• A fast ferry service from Victoria to Triabunna with a weekly trip to NSW
o This would have enormous benefits for the movement of freight from the East coast and southern Tasmania enhancing the current service from Devonport
— It’s like a“ Flying on water” service
o Link the East coast of Tasmanian with Victoria
o Link the East coast of Tasmanian with NSW and beyond
o The service could go Victoria – Triabunna – NSW – Triabunna – Vitoria once a week with all other days Victoria – Triabunna
o A super Coach Service could meet the ferry and move people and freight North and South around the State.
o Other Super coach services links within the State
I have no doubt that links to and from the North West that further enhances the current ferry service can also be explored and expanded on in the North and North west coast that could incorporate the West coast.
What we currently have in place is far from adequate and a drawback for the State to evolve and truly boast that it is a major Australian tourist destination resulting in a fantastic place live and work. With any “Grand vision” many would ask who is going to pay for it and will it be economically viable.
First we must have a “Vision” the entire component of the vision can be assessed in what the economic benefits will be for the Country State and local communities. The benefits in the outline of the idea should addresses the overall situation in each particular region or hub – Business productivity, enhanced tourism, social equality, environmental, safety etc. etc. it’s these things that tick all the boxes across a broad spectrum.
Once the economic benefits are assessed then the funding should be part of a package whereby the Federal Government play the facilitating role in evaluating what jobs will be created verses the assistance package it will provide private operators to develop and implement. This also has on the overall economic benefits to the State and local regions. The funding assistance could come from the Federal system under jobs/economic funding packages. The State could also assist in the same manner and Local Government provides assistance on the economic benefits to the region and the welfare of the local communities. Ultimately the funding is provided to the private sector in a one off, accordingly in a partnership/investment agreement.
It’s about all three tiers of Government realising the importance of co-operation and accepting that unless we have a Grand vision to aspire to, that ultimately, provides Jobs, economic activity coupled with environmental and other benefits whilst working closely with the private sector we achieve results. Rather than debating Tasmania’s poor economic record and problems for years to come as we seem to do time and time again.
This type of transportation will not suit everyone but if we implement a system that provides more options and reduce the amount of cars on the road this will assist in thinking differently about road funding programs and road maintenance costs.
In conclusion could we imagine the City of Melbourne without Trains and Trams? What road system would be required to transport people around Melbourne without its public transport system? Or even Victoria’s interstate train services? Perth is another example of a City that has a well developed transport system. Again imagine the impact on what would be required in a road system if it was not in place.
For too long Governments have provided funding for certain pockets within this State for what I call electioneering and pork barrelling. Why not look at “Visions” on a grand Tasmanian scale that will benefit the whole State and not one section. Transportation and freight is one area we can LINK TASMANIA.
Unless we have something to aspire to we will not achieve the goals. At a young age we aspire to great heights if it wasn’t the case then our Olympians would be just dreamers’ they are not dreamers, many had a vision and a will to achieve the goal. So let’s have a vision and achieve it for Tasmania’s future
Download Link Tasmania Vision: