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EDUCATION 2022 Glenorchy Community Awards
MARCH 2022
Independently owned and published by Cor Comms
Funding for priority projects
Magpies ready to swoop
SKATE DREAMS ON THIN ICE Filmmaker Sophia Bender, young ice skaters Nicole Mikada and Sienna Hoare, and Ice Sports Tasmania president Anna Holliday
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FEATURE
FREE PUBLICATION FOR THE GLENORCHY MUNICIPALITY
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Education
GLENORCHY’S ice rink has been a local icon for more than 40 years, but is up for sale and facing possible closure – putting the dreams of the state’s figure skaters and ice hockey players at risk. FULL STORY ON PAGE 7
Action needed on transit corridor
GLENORCHY Mayor Bec Thomas has called for immediate action to activate the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor, saying it is critical for the growth and prosperity of the city. It comes after the recent release of an unfavourable condition report into the existing rail corridor through Glenorchy, which has all but doomed the prospect of light rail in the northern suburbs for the foreseeable future.
While disappointed the report does not support light rail – which a 2020 report by PwC found would result in the greatest economic benefit for Glenorchy – Mayor Thomas said it was now time for action. “The most important thing is that the transit corridor is made available for public transport, in whatever mode affordable and sustainable for the taxpayer, and as soon as practicable,” she said.
“Our focus should be on meeting the needs of our community while keeping the dream alive for future mode options, as growth and expansion demand it. “But for now, we need to put the debate around best mode aside, agree on a solution and get to work on making it a reality. “No more debate, no more studies, no more delays.” The Tasmanian Government briefed the Greater Hobart Mayors
on the findings of the condition report late last year, before it was made public at a Federal Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee hearing in February. Mayor Thomas said the findings of the report weren’t surprising, given the age of the infrastructure. But she remains optimistic about the prospects for investment and growth in Glenorchy, despite the lack of
support for rail. “Modern-day passenger rail standards are a lot different than they were 50 years ago when it was operational on these tracks,” she said. “It is disappointing light rail is not feasible at this time, because it was the clear winner in terms of ability to attract investment and jobs and increase the number of dwellings and access to services for residents of Glenorchy City. “Facilitating strategic
urban growth and prosperity in our city is our Council’s priority, and other modes can achieve this. “The Hobart City Deal and the opportunity to unlock the land surrounding the transit corridor is a once-in-ageneration opportunity to bring about genuine change. “So while light rail may not be a viable option, we will keep working with the State and Federal Governments to ensure
we capitalise on this opportunity and get the new transport mode operating in the suburbs as soon as possible.” Mayor Thomas also congratulated incoming Local Government Minister Michael Ferguson on his appointment, saying she had enjoyed many productive discussions about the transit corridor with Mr Ferguson in his role as Minister responsible for Infrastructure, Transport and State Development.
