Why light rail is the perfect fit: Public Information Session, Sunday 30 June

Light rail is experiencing a world-wide renaissance. Its ability to adapt to the landscape of contemporary cities, and to move substantial numbers of people quickly and reliably from A to B, makes it a key player in developing viable and sustainable cities in which to live, work and visit. Equally it is becoming the solution to many of 21^stCentury’s urban challenges, including traffic congestion, increasing transport costs and climate change. Unsurprisingly, cities both small and large are taking notice and investing in light rail. Now it’s Hobart’s turn.

The ending of freight activities along the Hobart rail corridor provides the opportunity to reintroduce modern passenger rail transit and reshape public transport services in Southern Tasmania. Utilisation of the existing corridor makes this the most affordable light rail project in Australia and it is consequently being put at the forefront of transport planning in Hobart. 

Project development over the past months has substantially moved Hobart light rail from vision to actuality, including the establishment of the Light Rail Task Force (consisting of Minister for Sustainable Transport Nick McKim, Minister for Community Development Cassy O’Connor, Hobart Lord Mayor Damon Thomas, Glenorchy Mayor Stuart Slade and Chair of the Tasmanian Planning Commission Greg Alomes).

Also helping to keep the momentum going have been the two Light Rail Roundtables organised this year by Bob Brown and Anna Reynolds. The consultancy work by Tim Crane and James McIntosh has injected fresh new thinking on the value of public transport infrastructure. It’s positive to see the discussion has moved from an if to a how: How far should we go? Where should the stations lie? These are all giant strides forward for securing funding and making this project a reality. 

This Sunday, Minister for Sustainable Transport Nick McKim and Greens Candidate for Denison Anna Reynolds will host a public meeting to discuss the project’s progress, what light rail means for Hobartians and why it’s the perfect fit for Hobart.

Come along to find out more, share your ideas, ask questions and register your interest for this exciting state-of-the-art project.

When: Sunday 30^th June, 3-4pm
Where: New Town High School,
6 Midwood St, Newtown