Australasian Railway Association boss Danny Broad says the Tasmanian Government’s decision to preserve a corridor between Hobart and Granton for a future light rail line is the kind of long term planning governments need.
The state government announced on January 30 it will preserve the rail corridor from Hobart to Granton – in the city’s northern suburbs – for the long-term consideration of a light rail line.
It said it will look into value capture methods which could make a light rail line economically feasible.
The move is the result of a study by Infrastructure Tasmania, which found that a light rail line was not economically feasible under current economic conditions, but that there was “potential for it to become a viable source of transport in the future,” according to state infrastructure minister Rene Hidding.
“The review found that apart from the capital costs, which have been previously estimated at $100 million, the major impediment to the operation of the light rail service is projected significant operation losses,” Hidding explained.
“Accordingly, the government will work with both Glenorchy and Hobart City Councils to develop a comprehensive understanding of land use planning and rezoning issues for commercial and residential opportunities adjacent to the rail corridor.
“Increased land utilisation along the corridor, particularly residential, will contribute to making the light rail more sustainable.”
Broad praised the government for making progress on the proposed light rail line, which has been talked about for some time.
“By preserving the rail corridor in Tasmania for when the light rail project is ready to come online, the state government is providing a clear vision for the future development of Tasmania,” Broad, who took over as ARA boss last year, said.
“This direction will boost business confidence and help secure a pipeline of work.
“The Australasian Railway Association has long called for effective, collaborative, long-term planning for transport infrastructure to allow for adequate work-force and project planning, and to spur productivity and economic growth.
“It is pleasing to see governments at all levels recognise the benefits light rail brings to our cities.
“Recent projects such as the light rail extension in Adelaide and the Gold Coast Light Rail have been very successful and popular.”