Greater Hobart’s mayors have come together to call on federal election candidates to back upgrades to transport infrastructure, including more active transport options, expanded ferry services and an upgrade of the Tasman Bridge.
The Mayors of Hobart, Clarence, Glenorchy and Kingborough are also seeking federal support for the development of the University of Tasmania’s Sandy Bay STEM campus and the long-planned Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor.
Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey said the corridor, which follows the former rail line, has been “outed for many years” – most recently as a rapid bus route.
“As mayors we remain supportive of the vision given the enormous opportunity it presents to improve housing supply and diversity for greater Hobart,” she said.
“We would like to see existing federal funding commitments honoured and a joint undertaking from all levels of government to get this project done.”
Kingborough Mayor Paula Wriedt is pushing for $2 million in federal funding to plan the next stage of the Derwent Ferry expansion.
The funding would support early works for potential new ferry terminals at Kingston Beach, Howrah Beach and Regatta Point.
“From a Kingborough perspective, we are committed to seeing the ferry network expand south to Kingston Beach,” she said.
“It is clear that further investment is required to make this vision a reality, with a number of key factors such as the location and commuter parking requiring further consideration.”
Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley, it is also running for the seat of Franklin, said the federal government needs to step up and lead planning for the eventual replacement of the Tasman Bridge.
“It took over 30 years to deliver the new Bridgewater Bridge,” he said. “It’s now time to start planning for what comes next for the Tasman Bridge.”
“The Tasman Bridge remains the busiest road in Tasmania and is operating at full capacity, creating a daily bottleneck for Hobart commuters.”
“Recent decisions by the state government have again highlighted the inherent structural issues with the bridge, its ageing condition and its capacity constraints.”
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said upgraded STEM facilities at UTAS are vital for the state’s future.
“We urge all parties and candidates to back this project, given its immense significance for greater Hobart and Tasmania as a whole,” she said.
