Action stations as City Deal gets onboard the northern line

JACK PAYNTER, Mercury

December 18, 2018 9:34pm

A PASSENGER transport system to link Hobart’s northern suburbs with the CBD has been included in a draft City Deal given in-principle agreement by councils this week.

Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston revealed the commitment in the draft that she said meant the system — light rail or something similar — would be operational within five to 10 years. It would transform the northern suburbs, she said.

Her council has also this week pledged more than $10 million to support a City Deal, and ensure it is signed before the federal election due early next year.

“Glenorchy City Council put our dollars on the table, as did the three other metropolitan councils,” she said. “We’re now calling on the state and federal governments in the next month to put their dollars on the table as well.”

She said Glenorchy’s contribution would be funded through an existing capital works program, which has already seen $5.9 million allocated to an urban renewal project in the city centre.

She said the delivery of a rail service to the northern suburbs would be an “absolute catalyst for economic development and investment” in the city.

“It will mean we can actually activate the local area around it and see a significant investment by business and community,” Ald Johnston said.

“I’m very excited today for our community because we can see for the first time some concrete commitments.”

Real Estate Institute of Tasmania president Tony Collidge said it would open up land 1km either side of the track for Greater Hobart to grow.

Moonah businesswoman Lucy Baker, who owns St Albi Bar and Eatery, said the light rail would help bridge the gap between the city and the northern suburbs.