The Greater Hobart Mayors have welcomed the inclusion of funding for the expansion of the Derwent Ferry Service in the State Budget but urged the Tasmanian Government to lift its game on the delivery of major transport projects.
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds, Mayor Brendan Blomeley, Mayor Sue Hickey and Mayor Paula Wriedt said the Budget included funding for important transport measures, including:
- $20 million towards the Derwent Ferry Expansion Project – a previous commitment from the State Election secured by the Greater Hobart Councils; and
- $15 million to expand Metro bus services and $14 million to improve recruitment and retention of Metro bus drivers – a strong advocacy focus for the Councils following the government’s short-sighted decision to slash services last year.
While the Mayors welcomed these commitments, they also noted the community is losing patience with the government’s ability to improve the public transport network and progress major infrastructure projects long touted for Greater Hobart, such as the Tasman Bridge upgrades, Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor, Southern Outlet transit lane and the Hobart Transit Centre.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds (City of Hobart)
“Greater Hobart needs a public transport system that deliver more services more often – not less like we’ve seen in recent times.
“With the Budget now delivered, the government needs to be laser focused on restoring and improving Metro bus services while planning for the operation of an expanded ferry network.
“It’s also clear that a significant uplift in investment will be required in the years ahead to ensure our transport system meets the needs of Hobart as a thriving capital city.”
Quotes attributable to Mayor Brendan Blomeley (Clarence City Council)
“We welcome the Budget commitments to infrastructure projects that will support Greater Hobart’s growth and the changing needs of our communities.
“However, we urge the government to double its efforts in delivering major infrastructure and transport projects. There are many examples of State Government dragging its heels – we’ve seen this with the Bellerive ferry terminal, it’s been years since the promised Tasman Bridge upgrade, and the protracted realignment of Rokeby Road, just to name a few in Clarence alone.
“It’s time for urgent action to get these projects back on track.”
Quotes attributable to Mayor Sue Hickey (Glenorchy City Council)
“The state government needs to engage Glenorchy Council on its plans for Bus Rapid Transit and how this applies to the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor. The lack of adequate consultation to date has been disappointing.
“We again reiterate our call for the Tasmanian Government to agree on timeframes and targets for progressing the NSTC, which will provide important clarity to the community, industry and other stakeholders.”
“It’s clear that a lot of work is required to progress Bus Rapid Transit but also to support urban renewal along the corridor, including much-needed medium density housing opportunities.”
Quotes attributable to Mayor Paula Wriedt (Kingborough Council)
“We are eager to see the State Government provide more dedicated support for active transport and cycling infrastructure across Kingborough and Greater Hobart, and we will continue to advocate for ongoing investment in this area moving forward.
“We also want to see a greater uplift in public transport funding to deliver a network that our communities can rely on and that is safe. A credible network provides confidence in the frequency and reliability of services, which hasn’t been the experience for most commuters in recent years.”
Brendan Blomeley is the Mayor of Clarence City Council, Sue Hickey is the Mayor of Glenorchy City Council, Anna Reynolds is the Lord Mayor of the City of Hobart and Paula Wriedt is the Mayor of Kingborough Council.