Sensational-Adelaide.com

Mike Rann rules out tramline extension until future budgets

From: AdelaideNow August 26, 2011 12:52PM

PREMIER Mike Rann has ruled out extending the tram line down Gouger Street until "future budgets", despite flagging his wish for the new tram loop to reinvigorate the city.

Mr Rann had dismissed the high-level leak to the Opposition which suggested the Premier would announce the new western tram loop as one of his final legacy announcements.

Mr Rann has previously said the tram loop "will happen".

"While I'm not making any announcement today - that will be left to future Budgets - there's no doubt in my mind a city loop tram service that winds back through the western side of the city and then down either Gouger or Grote Street would prove a huge economic boost for the city's western precinct, as well as for our drawcards such as Chinatown," he said in a speech to the Property Council today.

"It would also provide the spark for the future redevelopment of Victoria Square."

Mr Rann also used his speech to criticise those who "relentlessly oppose change" in Adelaide, as he outlined his achievements to the audience.

"It's a refrain I've heard time and again during my nine and half years as Premier, and for decades before: nothing ever changes, nothing gets done'," he said.

The Premier pointed to the Adelaide Oval redevelopment, the tram extension and the new Royal Adelaide Hospital as defining the Government's time in office.

He also indicated that the Government was keen to see the Adelaide Festival Centre upgraded as part of his vision for North Terrace to restore it to being the city's most "crucial asset."

"There's no doubt that in recent years the lights have been turned back on at our cultural showpiece," he said.

"Now, it's imperative that it once more becomes the beating heart of our Festival State's artistic being.

"As the first Australian capital city arts precinct of its type, our Festival Centre, as it approaches its 40th birthday in 2013, is clearly in need of a revamp and a re-focus."

"Every city-defining development around the world features an arts and entertainment component at its core," he said.

Mr Rann said the State Government had committed $750,000 for the centre to develop a plan for an upgrade.

gumbi wrote: ... I'm also curious to know what people's thoughts are regarding the traffic signal sequence for the trams. The worst intersection that I've noticed is South Terrace / King William Street city bound. The tram will often have to wait long periods of time before entering King William Street. It also appears as if the tram is the down the bottom in terms of priority for the traffic signals (i.e. traffic from both directions will be given the chance to pass before the tram). I'd like to see some changes made in this area to make the journey quicker!

metro wrote:

crawf wrote:The Libs make a good point

"If Labor can afford to splash out $100 million on a tramline extension, then it can afford to honour its $75 million Darlington interchange promise.''

I think it's either $100m on making a big improvement to public transport in the City, or $75m on a couple of fly overs that will just add more traffic congestion to south road.

MessiahAndrw wrote: Agree. The people (well me at least) don't want more stupid freeways to encourage more people to drive. We want quality public transportation. And we want it now (not 2020).