Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens' Leader and Member for Denison
The Greens welcome the release of the blueprint for the Glenorchy to Hobart Public Transport Corridor project.
It's an exciting vision which demonstrates what's possible when you prioritise liveability, sustainable transport and people-friendly infrastructure.
The kind of joint vision produced by Hobart and Glenorchy City Councils is what Southern Tasmanians should expect from their government.
The Liberals have put Hobart's light rail in the too hard basket and left it all to local councils to show the drive and leadership that is required to ease congestion and modernise transport infrastructure in the South.
It's innovative policy and good planning that makes areas come to life, but that's not what we see from the Hodgman Government. They can't even bring themselves to commit to the light rail at the centre of the project.
Planning and development should have people at its core, not big business. It's what brings a community together and leads to projects succeeding.
This rail corridor project fits perfectly with Hobart's cultural assets, bringing together the needs and wants of visitors and locals alike.
The next step can't be left to Councils. The State Government must make a real financial commitment if the greater Hobart area, particularly the northern suburbs, are to continue enjoy the city's prosperity without enduring endless traffic congestion to do so.