12/08/2022
Whilst this article is about the railway line between Sydney and Melbourne, the principle arguments are valid for Tasmania too.
Even more so in Tasmania, a 'steam-age' alignment remains as an obstacle and a hindrance for efficient rail operations (particularly in Southern Tasmania).
High speed rail may seem overly expensive but it is still cheaper than putting four highway lanes between Hobart and Launceston (fortunately the State Government seems to have walked away from that commitment).
Even if there were no passenger services, the reality is that it takes far too long for a freight train to get from Burnie to Hobart, despite the fact that rail can be up to seven times more energy efficient.
Transport also accounts for the majority of Tasmania's CO2 emissions, and prioritising freight to rail would guarantee a reduction in emissions.
Improving the rail link between Australia’s two biggest cities will have many benefits, not least in meeting our carbon-reduction goals
