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UI 7I, Press Statement No. 542
12 August 1975
HOBART TRANSPORT ADVISER
Mr R. D. Phillips, Deputy Secretary of the Department of
Transport, has resumed duty in the Department after serving
for approximately three months as special adviser to the
Premier of Tasmania on Transport co-ordination in the Hobart
area. Mr Phillips was appointed to this position in April as a result
of discussions between the Prime Minis-ter and the Premier,
Mr Neilson.
Following the collapse of the Tasman Bridge early in January,
the Tasmanian authorities have taken a number of steps to
provide alternative means of transport between the eastern
and western shores of -the Derwent River.
Government and private passenger ferries now operate regularly
across the river, connecting Hobart's central business district
with suburbs on the eastern bank. The Government has constructed
the necessary berthing facilities, passenger terminals and car
parks, and has purchased two large ferries.
A temporary Bailey Bridge is being constructed, an additional
vehicular ferry will soon be in operation, and roads on both
sides of the river are being progressively and urgently upgraded.
The Australian Government has accepted responsibility for
meeting the costs associated with these projects, as well as those
related to the restoration and widening of the Tasman Bridge and
the construction of an additional permanent bridge in the Hobart
area at a later date.
During the past three months Mr Phillips has assisted in
co-ordinating the various works, which are the responsibilities
of several authorities, and has acted as a link between the
Tasmanian Government and the Joint Federal State Co-ordinating
Committee established to administer the Australian Government's
financial contributions. ./ 2
2.
The Premier, Mr Neilson, has expressed his sincere appreciation
of Mr Phillips' efforts. " He has helped us tremendously in a
difficult situation", said Mr Neilson, " and his advice and
co-ordinating work has undoubtedly contributed to achieving
greater progress in the many transport tasks which faced us in
recent months". Mr Neilson added that he had been grateful to
the Prime Minister for making Mr Phillips' services available.
The Prime Minister has also thanked Mr Phillips for his work
in Tasmania, and indicated to the Premier that Mr Phillips will
be available for further consultation on Hobart transport
matters should the need arise.
CANBERRA A. C. T.