Question - New Launceston Bus Interchange - Government Funding

Wednesday 9 September 2026

New Launceston Bus Interchange - Government Funding

Ms ARMITAGE question to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE and TRANSPORT, Mr VINCENT

[2.36 p.m.]

Regarding the 2024 election promise for $12 million in funding for a new bus interchange in Launceston, -

(1)          Can the honourable minister please advise why the government has withdrawn funding and support for this project? Was it always contingent on the proposed Paterson Street car park redevelopment going ahead?

(2)          Can the minister commit to reallocating this funding for another bus interchange project? Perhaps the redevelopment of the bus stops in St John Street, particularly considering that Metro is a state‑owned company and investing in a safe, secure and fit‑for‑purpose bus stop and interchange, which is heavily used by Metro at this site, would promote passenger and employee safety?

(3)          What conversations did you have with Launceston City Council about providing funding for a specific project and when did you make them aware that the funding was no longer being provided?

I did send the questions this morning, minister.

ANSWER

I thank you for the question. It has been raised a bit over the last several weeks. I must reiterate the $12 million commitment in the 2024‑25 Budget was specifically for the development of a bus interchange at the proposed Paterson Street car park redevelopment. This was a brand-new facility to take buses off the road in a key central point in the city.

As Launceston City Council did not proceed with the project, no funding was provided, of course. The $12 million was returned as a savings in the state budget and Launceston City Council has since undertaken a study on their existing bus infrastructure.

From my understanding, they're looking at upgrading the current location, or in the near vicinity of St John Street. It's important to note bus stop infrastructure is a council responsibility and it's very different to the proposed central interchange - a lot different in the mechanisms of it. Building Tasmania is working with Launceston City Council on their plans for St John Street and they are welcome to make a submission for a contribution towards their bus-stop upgrades.

I personally haven't had conversations that I can think of at any stage when I've met with the council on this, but the department has been. Bus stops like St John Street and everywhere else are a responsibility of the council and, like all projects we commit to, if they don't go ahead, the funds are returned as a budget saving. However, once Launceston City Council finalises the new plans with the interchange, it is welcome to make the funding request to the government and to myself as part of the normal budget process. So, that's always open for conversation.