Jobs. Confidence. Community – Investing in Northern Tasmania
12 November, 2020
Peter Gutwein MP
Premier and Treasurer
Michael Ferguson MP
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
2020-21 Budget: Jobs. Confidence. Community – Investing in Northern Tasmania
The Tasmanian Liberal Government’s plan to rebuild a stronger Tasmania is underpinned by a $5 billion infrastructure program to support around 25,000 jobs and provide significant opportunities for Tasmanians.
To get Tasmania back in business and keep Tasmania on top, this landmark program will grow our economy, boost confidence and strengthen our communities in every region, including in the North of the State.
“For the North, this means we will build the intergenerational infrastructure our State needs to thrive, including more homes, better schools, roads, bridges, irrigation schemes, as well as renewable energy assets, health, housing and justice facilities,” Premier Peter Gutwein said.
“Our capital investment for health includes $79.8 million over four years to deliver a major redevelopment and expansion of the Launceston General Hospital. This includes completion of Ward 4K, more bed capacity and car park.
“There is also $2.1 million for the Campbell Town Ambulance Station.
“We are investing $7 million for the refurbishment of the Launceston Police Station, $4.2 million to complete the new Longford Police Station, and $13.2 million statewide for new and upgraded police housing, including at Campbell Town and Fingal.
“We are also investing in upgrading our education facilities, with $24 million for the new Legana Primary School.”
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said there is around $2.4 billion for better roads statewide in the Budget to make our roads safer and improve travel time reliability for locals and visitors.
“This includes $50 million for the Tasman Highway upgrades on the Sideling, $12.7 million for upgrades of the West Tamar Highway between Exeter and Launceston, and $55 million for the Northern Roads Package, including upgrades to the Batman Highway, Frankford Main Road and Birralee Main Road.
“There is $33.2 million for the Launceston and Tamar Valley Traffic Vision, which includes the takeover of the Wellington/Bathurst Street couplet, continued feasibility and planning for a second Tamar crossing, Batman Highway upgrades, and safer junctions on the East Tamar Highway at Goderich Street and Gleadow Street.
“There is $20.8 million for upgrades to the Great Eastern Drive, as part of our investment in roads for Tasmania’s Visitor Economy, and $4.4 million to extend the Great Eastern Drive to Binalong Bay Road.
“We are also investing $41.4 million over four years for Launceston Urban Water infrastructure upgrades, and $8.4 million for Freycinet Peninsular Wastewater.”
Other road and bridge projects to be funded in the 2020-21 Budget and over the Forward Estimates include:
- Continued funding of the Midland Highway 10 Year Action Plan
- Overtaking lanes at the Tasman Highway at Myrtle Park
- Pedestrian underpass for the Midland Highway at Campbell Town
- Road widening in Evandale Road between Launceston and Breadalbane
- Road improvements package for Dorset Council region
- Cycling improvements across the North
- Upgrades on Bridport Main Road
A number of these projects are already underway or in final stages of planning and approvals, with tenders out in the market or being awarded and Tasmanians being employed.
This Budget invests strongly in the future of Northern Tasmania, ensuring that together, we will rebuild a stronger Tasmania.