The State Growth plans have received a large amount of backlash from the community, and on Monday Launceston independent MLC Rosemary Armitage voiced her concerns. 

Taking to public question time at the City of Launceston’s meeting Ms Armitage said:

“Obviously it’s been in the news of late that the government has decided to install lights over a roundabout,” she said.

“But, will the council be making a representation to the state government in favour of a roundabout over traffic lights?” 

Mayor Albert van Zetten responded and said aldermen had been discussing the proposal. 

“We’ve been briefed by the department. We had our discussions. Some aldermen disagree. But we haven’t actually voted on it,” he said.

“So you can’t tell me as a whole whether the council support it?” Ms Armitage questioned. 

Alderman van Zetten said he was unable to answer, because it had not been voted on. 

“But that’s something that will be coming up very shortly, I believe,” he said. 

Then, during councillor question time, Alderman Robin McKendrick raised the issue. 

“In light of very public concerns raised by the media, and with some aldermen … can the general manager please arrange a meeting between [Infrastructure] minister [Jeremy] Rockliff and aldermen to further the discussion,” he said.  

“Yes,” Alderman van Zetten said. 

Ms Armitage also asked whether the eastern bypass was still a priority for the council. 

“I’m just wondering if council will be looking at that, or revisiting that, in light of the traffic issues that we have around Launceston, and if not, why not,” she said.

Alderman van Zetten said the council will continue to have discussions about the bypass. 

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General manager Michael Stretton said some councils’ general managers had a meeting with Mr Rockliff regarding transport in the greater Launceston area. 

“He is keen to work with the councils collectively to develop an infrastructure plan,” Mr Stretton said.