Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Jonno Duniam,Federal Assistant Minister for Industry Development, Liberal Senator for Tasmania
The Tasmanian Liberal Government and Federal Liberal Government are delivering critical infrastructure project for Tasmanians.
The largest transport infrastructure project in Tasmanian history – the $786 million new Bridgewater Bridge – has received planning approval in a milestone event for the State's planning system.
The project is funded through a partnership between the Tasmanian and Federal Liberal Governments, with the Federal Government providing 80 per cent of project funds and the Tasmanian Government 20 per cent.
The independent Major Project Assessment Panel appointed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission has approved the construction of the Bridge – the project is the first to utilise the Tasmanian Government's new Major Projects assessment process.
The receipt of planning approval paves the way for work to start later this year on the project, funded by the Federal and Tasmanian Liberal Governments.
It will be constructed over the next three years and will see a new four-lane bridge built downstream of the existing Bridgewater Bridge.
The new crossing will fix the missing link between the Brooker Highway and Midland Highway, reducing congestion and providing more reliable travel times for the more than 22,000 people that use it every day.
New interchanges at Bridgewater and Granton will improve connections to the Lyell Highway and Midland Highway and a dedicated shared path will ensure cyclists and pedestrians can safely cross the river.
Federal Assistant Minister for Industry Development and Liberal Senator for Tasmania Jonno Duniam said the strong partnership between the State and Federal Liberal governments was delivering the infrastructure projects and jobs that Tasmania needs.
"This construction will support around 830 jobs, including the creation of more than 200 new jobs for Tasmanians," Assistant Minister Duniam said.
"The Liberals' plan for Tasmania, backed by investments like this, is keeping the economy strong and building a better future for Tasmanians.
"Projects like this that deliver a local economic boost and create jobs are only made possible through our strong economic management, and the strong working relationship we have with the Tasmanian Government."
The coordinated assessment of the project was undertaken by an independent expert panel appointed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission with expertise provided by relevant statutory regulators including the EPA, Heritage Tasmania and TasWater.
Community feedback received throughout the process has been integral in shaping the project, and the Tasmanian Government will continue to work closely with the community as the project moves towards the construction phase.
Confirmation of conditions determined as part of the permit will now allow the project team to proceed in delivering activities including heritage interpretation of the area and engagement with the community around the timing of construction and impacts to traffic.
The project remains on track to execute a Design and Construct Deed with contractor McConnell Dowell by mid-year, ahead of the start of major construction in the second half of 2022.
The new bridge will be open to traffic by the end of 2024, with the overall project completed, including the two new highway interchanges and the demolition of the existing bridge, in mid-2025.
