Media release – Southern Outlet Solutions, 24 November
SOSHobart2021 petition tabled in parliament
Labor Party MP, Ms Ella Haddad, will today table a parliamentary petition on behalf of the residents of Dynnyrne Road and the grassroots community action group ‘SOSHobart2021’, who have found themselves caught up in the thought bubble that is Michael Ferguson’s Southern Outlet fifth lane extension.
With over 2,500 signatures the petition should send a clear message to both Premier Gutwein and the Secretary of State Growth, Kim Evans, of the public’s clear lack of support for this proposal. Fellow Tasmanians from areas including Greater Hobart, Kingborough, Glenorchy and Franklin have shown their support to the community of Dynnyrne in signing this petition.
Supporters recognise the unnecessary stress, anguish, and trauma this proposal has, and continues to cause residents of Dynnyrne.
In signing, supporters first call for better traffic management solutions, many of which have already been provided to State Growth and Minister Ferguson by SOSHobart2021 representatives, and second, for the immediate cessation of attempts to acquire further Dynnyrne Road properties.
SOSHobart2021 takes this opportunity to remind Premier Gutwein and Mr Evans that traffic congestion is a by-product of poor urban design. We urge them to resist the ‘easy’ photo opportunity that is the fifth lane extension and challenge them to demonstrate leadership in seeking solutions to traffic congestion that preserve the heart of Hobart whilst building a city fit for future generations.
Members of the Dynnyrne Road/ SOSHobart2021 community will join Ms Haddad in Parliament to witness the government’s response. Ms Meg Smith, Spokesperson SOSHobart2021 will be available throughout the day for comment.
Ella Haddad MP, Labor Member for Clark, 24 November 2021
Ferguson’s cruel Dynnyrne plan must stop
Over 2500 Tasmanians have signed a petition, vehemently opposing Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson’s cruel plan to bulldoze homes to widen Hobart’s Southern Outlet.
Labor Member for Clark Ella Haddad sponsored the petition and was joined by affected residents when she formally tabled the petition in Parliament today.
Ms Haddad said Mr Ferguson should listen to residents and stop recklessly pushing ahead with this plan, a plan that would not actually do what is needed to address the traffic congestion issues on the outlet.
“Minister Ferguson continues to push ahead with his plan to demolish homes on Dynnyrne Road despite strong opposition from residents, and despite the fact the plan won’t address the issue of traffic congestion,” Ms Haddad said.
“Today I tabled the petition signed by over 2500 people calling on the government to stop this project and it is time their voices were heard.
“A short extra strip of road from Olinda Grove to Macquarie Street is not going to fix traffic congestion and the community can see right through this cruel flawed plan.
“Mr Ferguson is planning to unnecessarily demolish people’s homes, plunging them into the most inflated housing market we’ve ever seen, at a time when Hobart is the least affordable city to rent in the nation and the housing crisis continues to grow.
“The Minister’s performance in Parliament today was incredibly disrespectful to residents, and despite saying there would be “far fewer” than 17 homes demolished, it is clear he has no idea what the actual number is.
“Mr Ferguson should stop this project, it is cruel and will not do anything to fix Hobart’s traffic woes.”
