The Tasmanian Government welcomes the Federal Liberals' commitment to reinstate the guaranteed 80:20 funding ratio for significant road and bridge projects in the State.
Minister for Infrastructure, Kerry Vincent, said Tasmania's growing population and strong economy means improvements and increased capacity are required for our roads and bridges.
"Our infrastructure priority list requires significant funding from the Australian Government, and an 80 per cent federal contribution is entirely appropriate," he said.
"The Federal Liberal Party's commitment to restoring guaranteed 80:20 funding ratio for regionally significant road projects in the State will mean we can continue the work to improve our roads and bridges for generations to come.
"Tasmania has been appropriately supported by successive federal Coalition Governments with road and bridge funding under the 80:20 funding ratio, but lost that guarantee under the Albanese Labor Government.
"It was disappointing the Albanese Labor Government chose to only guarantee 50 per cent funding from 2023, and ever since we have been clear our expectation remains at 80 per cent."
In a speech on 14 November 2023, the Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said "The 100 per cent Commonwealth funded, or 80:20 percent funding split is no longer the default – we are returning to a preference of 50:50 with the states and territories, so both levels of government carry an equal share of both the benefits and the risks.''
Minister Vincent said the Federal Labor position disadvantages smaller states, and Tasmania will be unable to afford the vital road and bridge projects we need for our future.
"Without this long-accepted level of Australian Government contributions, we would not have been able to deliver the $605 million Midland Highway 10-Year Action Plan and the $786 million Bridgewater Bridge.
"We want to get Tasmanians home to their loved ones safer and sooner by building better roads across the State, an important part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
"Through a strategic and coordinated 80:20 partnership, we can deliver these road improvements and keep our economy strong and build more connected communities.
"Tasmania's infrastructure pipeline over the next 10 years will surpass $30 billion, ensuring we can continue to grow our economy, create jobs and deliver the infrastructure Tasmania needs now and into the future."
