Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, a re-elected majority Liberal Government will ensure that King Islanders continues to receive the support they deserve.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said King Island is one of the most magnificent parts of Tasmania, and of his electorate of Braddon, but with that beauty comes the challenges of distance and isolation.
"One of the most pressing needs on King Island is the availability of housing for residents and visitors alike," the Premier said.
"To support economic and population growth for King Island, a re-elected majority Liberal Government will commit $1.2 million to unlock large-scale subdivision work on King Island.
"This investment will help unlock essential housing for health workers, tourism and hospitality workers, and industry workers to meet growing demand for housing on the Island."
The Premier said that he understood that freight and logistics is a key issue on the Island.
"A re-elected Majority Tasmanian Liberal Government will commit $150,000 to revisit and complete a Study on the Grassy Harbour Port expansion, through the Department of State Growth.
"The Study will assess current and identify future shipping requirements for general freight and logistics, the growing shipping needs of industry on the island, explore cruise industry opportunities and other opportunities that may impact future capacity requirements."
Liberal Candidate for Braddon and King Island resident, Sarina Laidler said she was pleased to have been able to provide the Premier with direct feedback about the needs of the King Island community.
"As a volunteer ambulance officer, I understand just how important the local volunteer ambulance service is," Ms Laider said.
"I am so proud that a re-elected majority Rockliff Liberal Government is committing $5 million for a purpose-built Ambulance Station on King Island to provide a contemporary, fit-for-purpose facility for the volunteer-based service on the island.
"The new King Island ambulance station will be located adjacent to the King Island District Hospital and Health Centre grounds and have a dedicated driveway to provide direct access to Edward Street.
"This will provide the Island with a long-term, positive impact through the provision of new infrastructure and support attraction and retention of volunteers for the sustainable continuation of the service.
"This ensures that residents and visitors to King Island will be able to access the care they need, in the right place, at the right time."
Additional measures in the Liberals' Strong Plan for King Island include:
- Working with Hydro to provide the Council with the existing Hydro building in Currie, now surplus to needs, enabling the Council to refurbish and repurpose the building into a multi-user services depot;
- Supporting the Council to deliver quality recreation facilities at the Memorial Park by resolving multiple title issues;
- Enabling growth in the critical minerals sector by supporting value-add activities for the Dolphin Tungsten Mine; and
- Helping small businesses grow and thrive with $1.5 million in grants programs.
