Protecting the rail corridor

The State Government is being asked to honour a commitment to protect the future of passenger rail in Hobart, following plans by the Education Department to encroach a section of the rail corridor at New Town High School.

The Hobart Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group is concerned a plan for an additional level crossing for the School risks making the corridor untenable for future use as a rail transit route. The group fears it’s the first of many intrusions.

Rail Action Group President, Ben Johnston says, “the last thing the rail corridor and the cycleway need is yet another level crossing and the State Government must honour its commitment to preserve the rail corridor.”

Cycling South Executive Officer, Mary McParland says, “the proposed development is a poor outcome for the cycleway”.

“We call on the Infrastructure Minister to advise the Education Minister to go back to the drawing board”.

Mr Johnston says, “the Education Department needs to find an alternative plan that isn’t short sighted and doesn’t impact on exciting future transport options in its local area. Access to the school would certainly be improved by the introduction of a light rail service!”

The recent review by Infrastructure Tasmania said “Light Rail has the potential to become a viable source of transport in the future”.

Proposed Development ( https://apply.hobartcity.com.au/CurrentlyAdvertised – PLN-15-01599-01 )

Representations to Hobart City Council to be submitted by 9 February 2016.

What: Protecting the Rail Corridor

When: 10.30am, Tuesday, 2 February 2016

www.facebook.com/HobartRail

The Hobart Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group Inc. was formed to facilitate the
establishment of a passenger rail service as the centrepiece of an integrated transport
network and preservation of the rail corridor between Hobart and Brighton for rail services
Ben Johnston, President of the Hobart Northern Suburbs Rail Action Group Inc.