Media release – Hobart Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group 30 October 2023
SUPPORTERS STAND TOGETHER FOR RAIL
Several high-profile political supporters today joined members of the Hobart Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group to affirm their support for a new commuter rail service using the Northern Suburbs Railway line. The Rail Action Group’s new banner reads ‘Rail or FAIL’ and is intended to highlight the fact that only a rail service will achieve the transformative change that is required, delivering a strong incentive for new higher density housing developments but also easing congestion whilst providing faster and a far superior public transport solution.
Rail Action Group President Toby Rowallan said that; “I really want to thank our supporters in the political arena for being here. Unfortunately some could not make it, but we will make sure they get the opportunity soon to get a photo with the banner so that they can show their support.”
Mr Rowallan added “The choices are very clear. Do nothing, and urban sprawl continues, congestion worsens. Destroy the railway, as the Government is planning, and we lose a vital asset and gain a busway that no one wants, and few will use. This government has had nine years and we’ve heard excuse after excuse, had report after report, nothing happened and then finally they tell us they have a plan, but its just a plan for destruction, with a bus route that goes through narrow suburban streets in New Town.”
Mr Rowallan finished, saying “It is clear that they are not interested in public transport and never have been, because they have had plenty of time to do something and all we’ve seen is a To Do List. If the stadium goes ahead, it will fail without rail. If the busway goes ahead, it too will fail. But Glenorchy and the northern suburbs need the rail regardless, because without it we are locked in to highway dependency, congestion and unchecked urban sprawl.”
