“Opportunities” are being looked at as to how to best accommodate the thousands of Tasmanians expected to travel south to the Macquarie Point stadium, the Transport Minister says.
Eric Abetz’s comments follow questions from Independent MP Miriam Beswick, who wanted to know just what his plan is after promising all kinds of transport would be considered on Tuesday.
“Northern footy fans won’t travel down the highway if getting to the ground is a nightmare,” she said.
“Thousands of cars heading south for matches has the potential to create major headaches.”
Abetz said a transport strategy is being developed, which will include options for ferries along the River Derwent for people in the south and potential parking lots in Hobart’s northern suburbs.
“What we may well need is park-and-ride facilities so that people can park their motor vehicles somewhere, like out near the Showgrounds or whatever, and then have a bus service to take them into the facility,” he said.
“All those sorts of things are being considered by those who are actually experts in the field and I will consider what their approach is in relation to this.”
“We will come up with the best possible policy to ensure that the transport needs of our fellow northern Tasmanians can get to the stadium.”
Activating the northern suburbs transit corridor has long been on the governments radar, with all signs pointing to a bus rapid transit (BRT) network.
This would involve removing the existing rail line from Macquarie Point, a move that has drawn criticism from rail enthusiasts advocating for light rail instead.
“I share the Honourable Member’s view that there will be thousands of cars travelling to the stadium,” Abetz said.
“There will be concerts, there will be footy games, there will be cricket games that will attract Tasmanians from all around our shores to this new, exciting stadium, which will be transformative for our state, for our youth, for our culture, for our economy.”
More on this story: Buses vs light rail – Future of northern suburbs transit line hinges on business case
