Infrastructure projects across Tasmania will be brought forward under a more than $173 million package that will accelerate critical upgrades to the Bass and Midland Highways, the Port of Burnie Shiploader and the Hobart Airport Interchange.
The Federal Government has been working with states and territories to bring forward critical road projects across Australia in a plan to prop up the economy, with funding packages announced in Victoria and NSW.
The Prime Minister said more than $95 million of the new package would be spent in the next 18 months as part of an overall commitment of more than $2.7 billion investment in Tasmanian infrastructure since the 2013 election.
Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman said the Federal and Tasmanian Governments had a strong record of working together to deliver crucial road and rail projects.
“Whether it’s securing city-shaping investments through the Hobart to Launceston City Deals, investing in safer Midland Highway or upgrading our regional freight rail network, our governments are working together to get it done,” the Premier said.
“We’re accelerating federal and state funding for important projects such as the Bass Highway and the Hobart to Sorell corridor under our plan to invest in the infrastructure our growing state needs.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Federal Government was investing heavily in key roads in regional Tasmania that are vital to improved safety and supporting the economy through improved connectivity to the regions and markets.
“The government recognises the need for these key rural roads to receive the upgrades they need to be safer, more efficient transport corridors as soon as possible,” Mr McCormack said.
“That is why we are bringing forward $46.4 million for the Bass Highway corridor through our Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative, allowing priority works to get underway between Marrawah and Wynyard, and between Cooee and Wynyard.
“We are also bringing forward $41.9 million to accelerate Midland Highway projects including safety upgrades to the Spring Hill and Melton-Mowbray to Lovely Banks sections.”
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the Federal Government was investing heavily in congestion-busting projects in the state.
“Accelerating funding to the Hobart to Sorell corridor will help us get work underway from early 2020 on the congestion-busting Hobart Airport Interchange, which will reduce delays on this busy section of the Tasman Highway and improve access to and from the state’s primary tourist gateway,” Mr Tudge said.
“Today is all about the strong partnership with the Tasmanian Government, with whom we have partnered – alongside local councils – to deliver the Hobart and Launceston City Deals.
“The City Deals are 10-year plans to support the productivity and liveability of both cities to maximise their future economic potential.”
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said fast-tracking of the Australian Government funding for the Port of Burnie Shiploader will prioritise replacement of the existing 50-year-old unit.
“Investing in the Port of Burnie Shiploader will increase productivity in ship loading rates and secure the minerals export supply chain out of the Burnie port,” Mr Ferguson said.
“This is part of Trance 3 of the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation, which is supporting Tasmania’s world-class industries and producers right across the state.
“The Tasmanian Government is well placed to deliver these road and rail projects and has been undertaking necessary project planning in anticipation of this funding announcement.”
Project funding brought forward:
$46.4 million for Bass Highway Corridor improvements, including Marrawah to Wynyard and Cooee to Wynyard
- Funding to flow from 2020-21 and over the next three financial years to enable the commencement of works after the majority of funding was previously allocated beyond 2021-22.
- Total Australian Government contribution to the project is $100 million, in addition to the $40 million contribution from the Tasmanian Government.
$45 million for the Hobart to Sorell Corridor, including the Hobart Airport Interchange
- Funding to flow immediately and over the next three financial years to enable the commencement of works after the majority of funding was previously allocated beyond 2020-21.
- Total Australian Government contribution to the project is $130 million, in addition to the $32.5 million contribution from the Tasmanian Government.
$41.9 million for the Midland Highway Upgrade, including upgrades at Spring Hill and Melton Mowbray to North of Lovely Banks
- Funding to flow immediately and over the next three financial years to enable the continuation of works after the majority of funding was previously allocated beyond 2022-23.
- Total Australian Government contribution to the project is $400 million, in addition to the $100 million contribution from the Tasmanian Government.
$40 million for the Port of Burnie Shiploader
- Funding to flow immediately and over the next three years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22 under Tranche 3 of the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation program.
- This project is fully funded by the Australian Government.
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