The following media release from the Hobart Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group (HNSRAG) marks a significant escalation in the ongoing campaign to preserve Tasmania’s southern rail infrastructure.
HNSRAG are calling for the immediate release of the State Government’s bus rapid transit business case, citing discrepancies in job creation data and concerns over the $76 million stadium access road. There has been community momentum, including the group’s Annual General Meeting and continued public rallies aimed at highlighting the strategic value of the northern corridor.
Media release – Toby Rowallan, President, Hobart Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group, 17 December 2025
RELEASE BUSWAY PLAN
The Hobart Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group (HNSRAG) today called on Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kerry Vincent to release the business case for the Hobart bus rapid transit network now.
The Government’s plan to destroy the Hobart Northern Suburbs Railway is the worst possible solution to Hobart’s transport problem.
HNSRAG supports the idea of Bus Rapid to the Eastern Shore and Kingston but does not support the destruction of the railway.
Toby Rowallan said,
“The State Government’s own report showed that rail provided four times more jobs and development than a busway. The Premier lied about the cost of rail in Parliament. They ignored the clear benefits of rail.
“The Northern Access Road to the planned stadium will cost $76 million for less than 1km of road and destroy the railway corridor to Macquarie Point. This is absolutely the wrong plan. Rail has a far greater carrying capacity and the Northern Suburbs is the largest suburban area in Hobart.”
“An improved bus service is essential for Hobart but not at the expense of rail. We call on the State Government to release their business case so that everyone can see what they are planning. We still have not seen any justification for the destruction of the railway. None of the reasons provided to us make sense. We already asked the State Government to release this report without delay, however not only have they failed to do this, they have provided no good reason why. For a government that claims to be in favour of transparency, this just looks like they have got something to hide,” finished Rowallan.
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