Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
By working with the Morrison Government, Tasmania has secured more than $400 million in roads and bridges funding in the Federal Budget.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government and Morrison Government are working in partnership to continue to deliver better outcomes for Tasmania – and our plan is working.
This massive commitment enables us to complete a number of key infrastructure projects around the state, which will improve safety and travel time reliability.
These projects will build on our existing $3.1 billion construction blitz, and ensures we have a strong pipeline of infrastructure investment, providing confidence and certainty for our construction industry.
The Federal Budget included:
*More than $59 million in additional funding for works as part of our $500 million Midland Highway Action Plan, a strong partnership with the Australian Government that has delivered a much safer and more efficient road corridor between the North and South. This new funding includes $7.1 million for safety works near Symmons Plains.
*$12 million in new funding toward the upgrade of freight bridges across the state, and a further $1.5 million towards the implementation of Intelligent Transport Solutions on the Tasman Highway.
*$72 million allocated to the Tasmanian Roads Package, including targeted upgrades of the Bass Highway between Deloraine and Devonport, upgrades on Bridport Road and targeted upgrades of the West Tamar Highway between Exeter and Launceston. Combined with the Tasmanian Liberal Government's contribution, this means a total investment of $90 million for these important regional freight and commuter highways.
*$65 million towards the $130 million Tasman Bridge upgrade. This bridge is a critical connection for vehicles and active transport across the Derwent River, which carries more than 72,000 vehicles a day.
*Funding towards the $187 million duplication of the Midland Point and Sorell Causeways.
Labor can pretend to be interested in infrastructure, but Rebecca White's endorsement of Anthony Albanese's budget response, which didn't include any infrastructure for Tasmania at all, shows their only true interest is politicking.
Meanwhile, the Tasmanian and Australian Liberal Governments will continue to deliver vital infrastructure, which is supporting industry and jobs in Tasmania.
