Today in Budget Estimates we saw Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson raise the white flag on a passenger rail service for Hobart's northern suburbs.
Nearly three years after promising the northern rail corridor would be operating within five years, the project has fallen victim to Michael Ferguson's trademark incompetence.
Labor Member for Elwick Josh Willie said Minister Ferguson has been sitting on a consultant's report since August and when he finally released it today it was a wet squib.
"Sadly we've come to expect disappointment from this Minister," Mr Willie said.
"The process has fallen completely flat and we see yet another important infrastructure project going backwards on Michael Ferguson's watch.
"The State and Federal Governments agreed in 2018 to accelerate a City Deal for Hobart with a commitment to pull out all stops to get the northern suburbs passenger rail built within five years.
"But no money has been spent and nothing has been done, leaving the people of Hobart's northern suburbs still with limited public transport options.
"And now we are delivered a consultant report that's non-committal and it's anyone's guess when and how Hobart might see the northern rail corridor developed.
"The Liberals cannot keep stalling on this game changer for the northern suburbs and Greater Hobart.
"This indecision and obfuscation is another fail for this ineffectual Minister."
Josh Willie MLC
Labor Member for Elwick
