Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens' Leader and Member for Denison
In Question Time today it became clear that the decision to pull up rail tracks on the Macquarie Point site was made without the approval or knowledge of Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Rene Hidding.
Advocates of Hobart Light Rail are right to be concerned about the removal of rail tracks. They should also be concerned that this took place without the Minister's knowledge.
Mr Hidding confirmed today he found out about the removal of rail line from 'media reports'. What an extraordinary admission. He was among the last to know.
The Minister could not explain how it can be that a decision to rip up rail line could be made by the Macquarie Point Development Corporation without his approval or knowledge.
The Liberals in government have made no move towards establishing Light Rail, paying it lip service their entire time in office and now this removal of tracks.
As our population increases, light rail for Hobart is inevitable as part of an integrated passenger transport system that eases congestion and emissions from vehicles.
The Greens continue to strongly support the delivery of Light Rail for Hobart.