27 Feb, 2018

Lord Mayor Backs Tram Extensions

Since early 2016, this group has been working together to advocate for tram extensions, with the Lord Mayor hosting a light rail summit at Adelaide Town Hall in April 2016. Council subsequently affirmed its support for an expanded tram network in May 2016.

The Lord Mayor said that the State Government’s commitment to extend the tram network to Norwood and Prospect is consistent with the City of Adelaide’s calls for an extension to O’Connell Street, a city loop and extensions to inner-metropolitan areas, noting it’s good news for local residents, local businesses, students and tourists.

“The tram extensions announced over the past two days would help us to realise our vision for a city that attracts business, residents, tourism and broader investment,” said Haese.

“The extension to O’Connell Street would connect Adelaide Oval, the Women’s & Children’s Hospital and North Adelaide with the CBD.

“It would provide North Adelaide residents with free, efficient, frequent, reliable, quiet and environmentally-friendly public transport to the CBD, as well as connections to the Entertainment Centre, Glenelg and Norwood.

“It would provide O’Connell Street traders with new customers by increasing accessibility and support development of the former LeCornu site at 88 O’Connell Street, which was recently purchased by Council on behalf of the community.

“It is a tram extension that would reinvigorate North Adelaide, providing a cultural and economic boost and would also increase accessibility to the Adelaide Aquatic Centre.

“Should it be re-elected, I commit to working closely with the State Government to minimise the impact to on-street parking and ensure O’Connell Street remains a green main street with distinct character.

“With the extension to Norwood, known as East Link, the city would benefit from more people coming into the City of Adelaide to work, study, shop and play.

“Additionally, a tram stop in the East End will support traders and events, and would be welcomed by local businesses.

“Several of the local Mayors involved in Mayors for AdeLINK group have pushed for tram extensions as they understand the positive economic and environmental impacts.

“In particular, I commend the City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters Mayor Robert Bria for his advocacy on trams. He was central to the formation of the Mayors for AdeLINK group in 2016 which has a shared goal of expanding light rail in Adelaide.

“Supporting modern, sustainable and efficient people movement through the extension of our light rail network will be a catalyst for urban renewal and growth.”

Mayors for AdeLINK was established by:

Lord Mayor Martin Haese
City of West Torrens Mayor John Trainer
City of Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor Gary Johanson
City of Holdfast Bay Mayor Stephen Patterson
City of Prospect Mayor David O'Loughlin
City of Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans
City of Unley Mayor Lachlan Clyne (since resigned as Mayor)

Image: Indaily

Matt Halliwell