Media release – Eric Abetz, Minister for Transport, 11 October 2024
Getting the balance right on active transport
The Tasmanian Government will not progress funding for Hobart City Council’s Collins Street bike lanes.
Minister for Transport, Eric Abetz, said the decision came after reviewing feedback from affected community members.
“There was considerable concern in the community about this measure, and we have listened,” said Minister Abetz.
“I have directed State Growth not to proceed with the Collins Street funding grant deed, noting this will not affect $120,000 in grants for Hobart City Council’s separate Castray Esplanade shared path upgrade and Augusta Road bike lane planning.
“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is about developing stronger communities, and this decision gets the balance right.
“We are strong believers in active transport and are funding numerous projects.”
The Better Active Transport in Tasmania and Better Active Transport in Greater Hobart grant programs take total direct investment to Tasmanian councils for community infrastructure and planning projects to almost $9.2 million.
Media release – Bicycle Network Tasmania, 11 October 2024
Government should be supporting safer roads
Bicycle Network has criticised the Tasmanian Government’s backpedal on funding for a trial of safer road conditions on Collins Street in Hobart.
Bicycle Network’s Tasmanian Public Affairs Manager, Alison Hetherington, said the decision to pull funding flies in the face of government strategies.
“We’ve had numerous strategies and plans in the past six years proposing safer cycling infrastructure to protect people currently riding as well as the many people who would like to ride but are concerned about safety.
“We also have a Towards Zero road safety strategy that highlights the need for a “safe systems” approach to infrastructure. This advocates separation of vulnerable road users like people cycling, walking and scooting from the dangers of traffic.
“To have the government pull funding for a trial for just three blocks of one city street brings into question their commitment to active transport.
“The recent budget slashes funding for active transport infrastructure in future years and now we see the government pulling money that had already been promised.
“The transport plan for the proposed Macquarie Point stadium has Collins Street as a central active transport spine leading into the precinct. If the government is refusing to fund just three blocks of a trial what is the likelihood any money will be going to the infrastructure needed for the rest of the network?
“The City of Hobart is doing the right thing by trying to provide more transport options for more people and the state government should be supporting them, not making it harder.”
Media release – Tasmanian Small Business Council, 11 October 2024
Hobart City on the wrong side of good business
The decision today by the Minister for Transport, Hon Eric Abetz to not support the Hobart City’s Collins St bike lanes through a withdrawal of funding is a vote of confidence for the business people of Hobart’, said Robert Mallett, CEO of the Tasmanian Small Business Council.
‘The removal of a significant amount of access for shoppers and visitors to the city through the reduction of vehicular capacity and parking was going to be yet another nail in the coffin of already stretched small businesses along the route.
‘It beggars belief (or maybe we shouldn’t be surprised) that the Hobart City Council spends hundreds of thousands of dollars to improve access to their South Hobart commuter constituents and does nothing to support city workers and visiting shoppers by increasing parking and visiting opportunities.
‘A significant number of the recipients of the Hobart City Council’s largesse have a regular, secure, high quality bus service to the centre of the city and their workplaces, yet shoppers, hoping for a relatively short trip back to their car to load their shopping from local traders are left out in the rain and cold.
‘The move by the Minister demonstrates either the lack of genuine consultation by Hobart City or an unwillingness to address the serious concerns of the people whose livelihoods are most impacted by the bike lane decision.
‘It’s about time both the elected members of Hobart City and their army of bureaucrats took a more innovative look at both increasing the business opportunities for the city traders as well as reducing carbon footprints for inner suburbs constituents.
Media release – City of Hobart, 11 October 2024
Collins Street – City Of Hobart will push ahead with plans to transform Collins street
The City of Hobart will now look to reallocate funding to make up the shortfall left by the overnight decision by State Government for the Collins Street project.
The trial is due to begin in early 2025 and will feature a range of temporary, low-cost street enhancements to improve safety for people walking and riding along the street, creating a more connected and vibrant city corridor.
The city applied for and was awarded the grant in good faith and with the knowledge that it responded to the needs laid out by the State Governments ‘Greater Hobart Cycling Plan. The plan identifies Collins Street as an important corridor to help create a series of interconnected cycling corridors across Greater Hobart
The commencement of the trial followed extensive engagement on the Collins Street design which was a co-funded partnership between the City and State Government.
A key focus area of the Hobart City Deal by State Government is a Greater Hobart Transport Vision that includes the establishment of a reliable, sustainable and cost-effective transport system with a focus on active and separate cycle lanes.
The Collins Street project is a trial and will include ongoing community engagement to help inform project enhancements and ultimately what safer permanent cycle infrastructure could look like for Collins Street.
Next steps
Following the State Government’s decision to not progress funding for the Collins Street bike lane trial, City of Hobart officers will now reconsider the funding mix for this project which was approved in September.
A budget adjustment report will be presented as part of normal budget adjustments reporting which goes before Council on Monday night.
Whilst this is disappointing decision, our commitment to improving active transport infrastructure in Hobart remains and we look forward to delivering better, safer transport choices for the people of Hobart.
Quote from Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds
“This is a disappointing decision by the State Government however The City will continue its focus on providing safer active transport infrastructure. We don’t want our city to fall behind other capital cities in providing safer transport choices for residents. This has been an agreed priority between the City and State Government for many years and we recognise that improving all transport infrastructure is a top priority for Hobart.”
Media release – Helen Burnet MP, Greens Transport spokesperson, 11 October 2024
Liberals Back Flip on Collins Street Bike Lanes
It’s deeply disappointing to hear the Rockliff government has backflipped on their support for the Collins Street bike lanes. But even if the Liberals won’t fund this particular project, it’s critical they still put their promised $170,000 into cycling infrastructure in Hobart.
The Collins Street project is so important for continuing to encourage cycling into the city, with years of planning to make this vital east-west link a reality. Eric Abetz’s decision to pull funding for it is really disappointing – particularly after the planned cycling upgrades to the Tasman Bridge were canned. It seems the Liberals’ support for active transport is weaker than it’s ever been.
The local council is showing more foresight than the state government when it comes to implementing good urban design, and safer bike lanes. ‘Stickier’ streets with proposed tree plantings and outdoor dining areas, is ultimately good for business.
We’re glad the Council is still keen to go ahead with this development, despite Eric Abetz’s decision. Good on them. But the Liberals promised the people of Hobart that this $170,000 would flow into cycling infrastructure, and that should still happen.
Why is it that the Liberals don’t want to fund the important Collins Street project? Is it because they have a black hole billion dollar Mac Point stadium project and other more practical projects are being de-funded?
In any case, Mr Abetz should still make good on the commitment he promised in July, to make cycling in the city more desirable, safer and easier.
