Question - Northern Intermodal Freight Handling Facility Relocation

Thursday 25 May 2023

Northern Intermodal Freight Handling Facility Relocation

Ms ARMITAGE question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

[3.59 p.m.]

With regard to a mooted eastern bypass in the state's north, the Pitt&Sherry report, prepared by the Department of State Growth and dated 16 March 2022, proposed in its conclusions it was recommended that 'a further study is warranted to investigate options of locating the primary freight handling facility to outside of central Launceston'.  Can the Leader please advise:

(1)     Whether this study is taking place and, if so, who is completing the study and when can we expect it to be publicly available?

(2)     Whether as a result of the Pitt&Sherry report from March 2022 an eastern bypass could realistically be expected to be constructed or whether the Government considers it unfeasible?

ANSWER

I thank the member for her question.

(1)     Pitt&Sherry have been engaged to undertake a preliminary assessment for the relocation of the existing intermodal freight handling facility from the fringe of Launceston CBD to a new location close to existing road and rail freight linkages in northern Tasmania.  The focus of this study is the assessment of the effect on heavy vehicle traffic in central Launceston from the potential relocation of the existing intermodal facility from its current location.  The study has identified some traffic‑related benefits that will result from a relocation, including fewer heavy vehicle movements through the Launceston CBD.  The study also found that there is significant interest from key stakeholders for more extensive studies to occur to further assess the facility's relocation.  A publicly available version of the report will be published on the Department of State Growth's website shortly.

(2)     The Launceston Eastern Bypass Feasibility Study has been finalised and the consultants, Pitt&Sherry, found that the bypass was not feasible at this time for several reasons.  They found:

·       The proposal for a new bypass is not aligned with the relevant state and regional strategies and those of the City of Launceston for sustainable economic development and improved liveability. 

·       The traffic modelling shows a bypass is not an attractive option for longer distance trips, as no significant timesaving was identified for the bypass.  As such, most of the longer distance through-traffic is projected to continue using the existing route along the East Tamar and Midland highways. 

·       The bypass is not projected to significantly reduce traffic incidents.

·       The bypass would separate part of the North Esk River flood plain from the main channel, which may increase the chance of flooding in the area. 

·       The bypass is projected to have weak economic benefits. 

Based on the findings above, the study did not recommend further progression of any of the bypass options.  It is important to note that during the 2022 federal election campaign, the Australian Labor Party promised funding for a Launceston Airport proposed translink intermodal facility.  The funding included $5 million for planning, including feasibility reports and a business case and a further $30 million for enabling infrastructure if the project was viable.  This funding offer was made to the Northern Midlands Council.