$2.6 billion in job creating infrastructure projects

The Hodgman Liberal Government is Delivering on our Plan to Build Your Future to support Tasmania’s unprecedented economic growth through a $2.6 billion infrastructure investment in roads and rail, health, education, housing and law and order.

Ensuring we keep pace with a growing economy, rising population and increased visitor numbers requires significant investment in Tasmania’s transport infrastructure.

Roads and Rail

This Budget includes a further $1.1 billion for road and rail upgrades to deliver a better, safer and more productive transport system for Tasmanians, including:

$121 million for the Bridgewater Bridge to commence development of this $576 million project.
the State Government’s pledge to match the Federal Government’s $59.8 million commitment to Tranche Two of the freight rail revitalisation program, which will allow TasRail to deliver freight in a more timely, safe and competitive manner.
$53 million for the Launceston and Tamar Valley Traffic Vision, which includes funding to make the Mowbray Interconnector safer and West Tamar Highway upgrades.
$21 million towards a South East Traffic Solution and further funding for a plan to ease congestion at the Hobart Airport interchange.

Hospital and Ambulance Upgrades

In health and hospitals we are investing $475.6 million, which includes $162.4 million of new funding for important upgrades at our four major hospitals – the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, Mersey Community Hospital and the North West Regional Hospital - including new wards.

We are also investing a further $15 million in capital investments in rural hospitals and ambulance stations, and $12 million for new Ambulance Stations at Burnie and Glenorchy to ensure patients get the care they need as soon as possible.

Education

Education is one of this Government’s key priority areas, which is why we are investing $192.2 million in school and TasTAFE infrastructure projects over the next four years.

This includes $10.5 million for the first four of six new Early Learning Hubs, as well as $15 million to build or upgrade existing kindergarten facilities across the State.

Further, funding is included to commence the building works of new schools and upgrades in growth areas like Legana and Brighton, and rebuilds at Sorell School, Penguin District School and Cosgrove High School.

The Government is also investing $18.9 million in TasTAFE infrastructure, including TasTAFE Centres of Excellence in Agriculture, Trades and Water, and Tourism and Hospitality to ensure we have skilled labour for the future.

Affordable Housing

The Budget also includes $125 million* in funding to roll out Stage Two of our 10-year Affordable Housing Strategy, to provide an additional 1500 new affordable homes for Tasmanians in need.

Along with Stage One, this is the largest ever State Government investment in affordable housing, almost $200 million over eight years, and will bring the total number of new affordable homes to 2400 across Tasmania.

Keeping Tasmanians Safe

We are also investing in our front line responders, with $22 million allocated to build new Tasmania Police stations at New Norfolk and Longford, as well as an Emergency Services Hub at Sorell.

The Government will invest in upgrading a range of law and order facilities with $70 million to be invested in a new Southern Remand Centre, $7.3 million for a major redesign and upgrade of the Ashley Youth Detention Centre, $9.3 million for the upgrade of Risdon Prison Shared Facilities and $150* million towards Stage One of a new Northern prison.

Importantly, the Government’s $2.6 billion program of infrastructure investment will support thousands of jobs, in the construction, engineering and trade sectors as we build the infrastructure our growing State needs.

*over five years