Государство отказало в финансировании нового автобусного пересадочного узла в Ланкастероне

The state government is no longer providing $12 million in funding for a new bus interchange, breaking a 2024 election promise, a council says. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading SAVE $119 All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area State drops $12m interchange funding as Launceston council faces $30m solo bill A City of Launceston council staffer said that, in correspondence with local government minister Kerry Vincent, the state government confirmed it would no longer be supporting the project. A Tasmanian government spokesperson confirmed that funding was never provided, citing a change in location. "The $12 million commitment was specifically for the development of a bus interchange as part of the proposed Paterson Street car park redevelopment, however, as council did not proceed with the project, no funding was provided," the spokesperson said. "The Tasmanian Government remains committed to working with the City of Launceston council on its revised plan to redevelop the bus stops in St John Street." The council staffer noted that the information on the Tasmanian government's website was not location-specific. 'I don't believe the economic cost can be justified'  According to agenda papers, the St John Street interchange is expected to cost between $25 million and $30 million, though council staff said this was a very rough estimate. Staff said the council will not know the full cost until it has completed a procurement process with consultants. Councillor Tim Walker said the financial burden was significant, with each stop expected to cost $15 million and the council currently funding the project independently. "I don't believe that the economic cost can be justified," he said. "I shall continue to follow this with interest, and am keen to find other alternatives that will put less pressure on the City of Launceston council." Councillor Alex Britton was pleased that progress on the interchange was moving, saying "everyone would like to see a bit more of an uptake on public transport." While Councillor Alan Harris said St John Street wasn't an ideal location, he felt the council had to work with it. "It is one being forced upon us by, as our officer said, the need to do upgrades to the street, and if we have no further or other alternative ways to put the bus stops and really bring that in the street." The council has identified two options for the next site, St John Street South and St John Street North. Option one, St John Street South, would keep the bus stops and interchange near their current location. Option two has bus stops E and F - between York and Brisbane streets - relocate outside the church in St John Street between Cameron Street and Paterson Street. The council is not expected to decide on a preferred site until April 2027. More from National News As it happens Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks. Weekdays The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Weekdays The evening wrap Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. Daily Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Daily Subscriber Only Today's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! Weekdays The Echidna Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. Weekly Explore Travel News Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. Twice weekly The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Weekly Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarGuide, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. Weekly Property Real local, smart property news for regional Australia Daily Your favourite puzzles Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Twice weekly The Senior newsletters Stay in the know on news that matters to you with twice weekly newsletters from The Senior. As it happens Subscriber Only Special Reports Get the very best journalism from The Examiner by signing up to our special reports. Weekly Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis. Twice weekly Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. Weekly Subscriber Only Note from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Weekly What's On Going out or staying in? Find out what's on.