23 May 2019

Jeremy Rockliff MP

2019-20 Budget: Record $1.6 billion transport infrastructure investment for growth  

The 2019-20 State Budget delivers an unprecedented $1.6 billion investment for growth, in partnership with Commonwealth Government, to build the transport infrastructure our growing state needs to maintain the momentum of the last five years.

Infrastructure is the centrepiece of our budget and our commitments maintain the momentum and invest for growth across the State.

The Hodgman Liberal Government’s state-wide investment in intergenerational, growth driving infrastructure includes;

• $304.9 million for improved rail infrastructure and upgrades of priority sections of the State’s freight rail network, to increase capacity and support for our producers,
• $294 million to deliver the new Bridgewater Bridge with planning approval and geotechnical studies commencing this year,
• $292 million for infrastructure maintenance to renew or rebuild road surfaces, replace faded line markings or damaged signage, and maintain the vegetation and roadsides across Tasmania.
• $231 million to upgrade Roads of Strategic Importance, including upgrades to the Bass Highway between Wynyard and Marrawah and the Sorell-Hobart Corridor,
• $112 million to continue the delivery of our Midland Highway 10 Year Action Plan,
• $83 million towards an Urban Congestion Fund, including a new dedicated Traffic Incident Response Team and intelligent transport solutions to better manage congestion.
• $75 million towards our Launceston and Tamar Valley Traffic Vision, including upgrades to the West Tamar Highway and increased capacity on the Charles Street Bridge, and
• $58 million to deliver our Roads to Support Tasmania’s Visitor Economy plan.

The 2019-20 State Budget invests in our South East Traffic Solution and Greater Hobart Traffic Solution through the ongoing delivery of the new Hobart Airport interchange following detailed geotechnical work, the new Midway Point roundabout, overtaking lanes on the Arthur Highway, ongoing planning for the Southern Outlet fifth lane and ongoing improvements to Macquarie and Davey Streets.

Last year, the Hodgman Liberal Government delivered Tasmania’s first ever, $13.9 billion 10 Year Infrastructure Project Pipeline. The 2019-20 State Budget makes key investments to ensure these growth generating, job creating project continue to be delivered*.

To ensure we maintain the momentum through our continued investments for growth, the Pipeline will be updated following the delivery of this year’s State Budget.

The Hodgman Liberal Government is delivering road, rail and bridge projects to address congestion in our cities and towns, and to deliver safer, more efficient freight corridors for our world-class producers.

*Pipeline Projects to be funded in the 2019-20 Budget and over the forward estimates include:

Southern Region

• Continued funding of the Midland Highway 10 Year Action Plan.
• Congestion management package for Greater Hobart.
• New flyover at Hobart Airport interchange.
• New intersection replacing Midway Point roundabout.
• Arthur Highway overtaking lanes east of Sorell.
• Richmond Road upgrades and new Cambridge link road.
• Duplication of the East Derwent Highway at Geilston Bay.
• Safety upgrades on the Huon and Channel highways and cycling safety improvements.
• Planning for access ramps to Rosny from the Tasman Highway.
• Planning for extending the duplication of Rokeby Main Road south of Pass Road.

Northern Region

• Continued funding of the Midland Highway 10 Year Action Plan.
• New roundabout at the Mowbray Connector.
• Increasing capacity on the Charles Street Bridge.
• Safer junctions on East Tamar Highway at Goderich Street and Gleadow Street.
• Overtaking lanes at the Tasman Highway at Myrtle Park.
• Pedestrian underpass for the Midland Highway at Campbell Town.
• Shoulder sealing works on the Esk Main Road east of Fingal.
• Road widening on Evandale Road between Launceston Airport and Breadalbane.
• Road improvements across Dorset Council region.

North West and West Coast Region

• Upgrading the Bass Highway west of Wynyard including rebuilding works through Britton’s Swamp.
• Safer access to Boat Harbour Primary School.
• New passing opportunities between Wynyard and Smithton.
• Upgrading safety at the Rocky Cape Hall.
• Planning for upgrading the Bass Highway between Deloraine and Latrobe.
• Freight access bridge upgrade program.
• Upgrades to the Murchison Highway.
• Coastal Pathway project to connect communities.