The Rockliff Government must immediately restore its funding for the Collins Street bike lane trial following the outcome of last night’s public meeting.
The Greens have always supported this project because it is a critical part of Hobart’s big picture move towards more active transport, less traffic congestion, and improved road safety. Throughout the debate on the plan, it’s been clear to us that a strong majority of people support these bike lanes, and that was confirmed by last night’s meeting.
There is certainly a vocal minority opposed to this project, but most Hobart residents want to see more investment in alternatives to driving, because they know the reduction in traffic will bust congestion, and better road safety benefits everyone, especially vulnerable road users. With the strong result from the public meeting, the Rockliff Government can no longer deny this community support, and they should move to restore their funding for the bike lane trial.
Let’s remember the funding for this project was only pulled by Transport Minister Eric Abetz because he was being lobbied by a handful of vested interests. He made this decision despite being advised against it by his Department, and despite his government’s support for the project in the Hobart City Deal and other strategies.
Eric Abetz must admit he blundered in pulling this funding. He needs to acknowledge this project is based on long-term planning, is important for road safety, and will deliver positive outcomes for the CBD and local businesses. Given the strong community support for the project, along with all these benefits, the Minister has all the reasons he needs to restore the government’s support for this project.
While the bike lane trial is going ahead no matter what Eric Abetz does, the removal of state government funding will have flow on impacts for other projects around Hobart. The Minister should stop doing the bidding of vested interests and provide the funding as he and his predecessor committed to doing.
