The councils comprising ‘Greater Hobart’ are pressing the Tasmanian Government to increase its investment in transport infrastructure and services ahead of the 2025-26 State Budget
Mayors Anna Reynolds (Hobart), Brendan Blomeley (Clarence), Sue Hickey (Glenorchy) and Paula Wriedt (Kingborough) said commuters across the catchment comprise approximately 40% of the state’s population and deserve access to a modernised transport network.
The mayors highlighted several key transport initiatives that would benefit from additional state government support in the upcoming budget, including:
- Increased Metro bus services and further reduced commuter fares;
- Additional ferry services to activate the soon-to-be expanded River Derwent Ferry Terminal Network;
- Further support for active transport and cycling infrastructure across Greater Hobart;
- Capital funding to accelerate the long-awaited Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor; and
- A dedicated study to determine a long-term solution for Tasmania’s busiest road, the Tasman Bridge.
The mayors also noted that transport is a central focus of the Hobart City Deal – which was agreed to by all levels of government – including a KPI of increasing the number of people using public transport to 10% by 2029. Recent figures have indicated that public transport use is only at 6.9%, demonstrating the ongoing challenge that needs to be addressed.
“Greater Hobart urgently needs a more reliable and better funded public transport system,” said Anna Reynolds.
“Having more transport options is the best solution to busting congestion and will make our city more efficient and accessible.”
“Public transport will be a much more attractive option for Hobart commuters if they’re confident about the frequency and reliability of services. We need a public transport system that delivers more services more often – not less like we’ve seen in recent years.
“The state government can support an increase in the number of people using public transport by committing to an uplift in investment across the board, starting with bus and ferry services.
Specifically, the Hobart Council is calling on the state government to increase Metro bus services and provide dedicated funding to activate the expansion of the River Derwent ferry network.
Meanwhile Clarence’s Brendan Blomeley, recently unsuccessful as an independent candidate for the federal seat of Franklin, believes there is now a practical need to prepare for Greater Hobart’s growth by commencing studies into a long-term solution to eventually replace or duplicate the Tasman Bridge and its feeder highways.
“Recent decisions by the state government have again highlighted the inherent structural issues with the bridge, its ageing condition and its capacity constraints,” he said.” The onus is now on the state government to consider how the Tasman Bridge may eventually be replaced.”
He noted that it took over 30 years to deliver the new Bridgewater Bridge.
“It’s now time to start planning for what comes next for the Tasman Bridge and we urge the state government to lead on this important issue,” said Blomely.
Glenorchy’s Sue Hickey is calling on the state government to accelerate its plans for Bus Rapid Transit on the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor.
“This is Greater Hobart’s biggest infill development project – it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve housing supply and diversity,” she said.
“The project has been touted for many years but we need to see a specific commitment from the state government to get this progressing in a meaningful way.”
Funding received under the Hobart City Deal was $20M to advance light rail, but the Liberal government has been unable to countenance the project.
Recent noises have talked about bus corridors without commitment to a concrete plan.
“We reiterate our call for the state government to demonstrate leadership by committing initial funding to the project tied to clear delivery targets and timeframes, which will provide important clarity to the community, industry and other stakeholders,” said Hickey.
Kingborough’s Paul Wriedt is eager to see the state government provide more dedicated support for active transport and cycling infrastructure across Greater Hobart, remembering that each the Hobart councils possess projects that are key to unlocking an active transport network.
“Moreover, we’re always indicating our interest in working more closely with the state government on transport planning and delivery across the region,” Wriedt said.
“We’d like to continue to work together to reset transport strategy and ensure we’re funding and delivering the right projects for Greater Hobart’s future.”
Transport analyst Tasmanian (a.k.a. William McKinnon) said it was “amazing” to see more support for transport infrastructure in Tasmania.
“I am glad that the representatives of Hobart’s suburbs have decided that public transport infrastructure is crucial for the future success of their regions,” he said.
“Considering the timeframe of the wew Bridgewater Bridge – 30 years from concept to reality – I would hope the Tasmanian Government is ready to begin planning for a replacement for the Tasman Bridge,” urged McKinnon.
“Of interest to me is the recent announcement that Hobart’s proposed rapid bus network would run over the Tasman Bridge to Glebe Hill – I would hope that infrastructure for this would be included in a new bridge. I’m not holding my breath, but light rail over there would be pretty good too.”
In the meantime McKinnon wishes for the Tasmanian Government to work with all five Hobart Councils, as well as the Derwent Valley and Sorell councils to develop a more efficient rapid transit network for Hobart.
“I hope frequency can be addressed,” he emphasised. “The main trunk routes to Sorell, New Norfolk, Brighton and Huntingfield really should have 15 minute all day service on par with the mainland cities.”
The Tasmanian Government has been drip-feeding media snippets from the 2025 State Budget, but has yet to make any significant announcements about public transport.
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