Jobs. Confidence. Community – Investing in the North West and West

12 November, 2020

Peter Gutwein MP

Premier and Treasurer

Michael Ferguson MP

2020-21 Budget: Jobs. Confidence. Community – Investing in the North West and West

The Tasmanian Liberal Government’s plan to rebuild a stronger Tasmania is underpinned by a landmark $5 billion infrastructure program to create jobs, bolster confidence and invest in our community.

Over the four year period of the Budget and forward estimates, we expect this infrastructure package will support around 25,000 jobs, as well as provide significant opportunities for Tasmanians.

“For the North West and West Coast, this means we will build the intergenerational infrastructure Tasmania needs to thrive, including more homes, better schools, roads, bridges and irrigation systems, as well as renewable energy assets, health, housing and justice facilities,” Premier Peter Gutwein said.

“The Budget includes $68.5 million for the Cradle Mountain cableway and Visitor Experience, and $19.4 million for the Next Iconic Walk on the West Coast.

“There is $18.8 million for the new K-12 Penguin School; $1.5 million for the Spreyton Primary School; $9.9 million for the completion of the Devonport High School redevelopment; and $250,000 for infrastructure upgrades at King Island District School.

“We are also investing $33 million to continue the Mersey Community Hospital redevelopment over two years.”

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said there is around $2.4 billion for roads statewide in the Budget to make our roads safer and improve travel time reliability for locals and visitors.

“This includes more than $147 million over four years for upgrades to the Bass Highway between Deloraine and Marrawah, as part of our more than $200 million joint commitment with the Australian Government.

“We are upgrading roads on the West Coast, with $18.8 million in funding for the Lyell Highway between Queenstown and Strahan, and $37.5 million for the Murchison Highway.

“There is also $12 million over two years for the Burnie to Wynyard section of the coastal pathway and future erosion protection and $8 million this year for the West Coast Wilderness Railway, with a further $8 million over the following two years for continued rail upgrades.

Other road and bridge projects to be funded in the 2020-21 Budget and over the forward estimates include:

• Bridge strengthening upgrades for freight movements along the Bass Highway
• North Western Region gateway upgrades
• Leith overpass on Bass Highway
• Cycling improvements along the North West and West coasts
• Safer access to Boat Harbour Primary School
• Upgrading safety at the Rocky Cape Hall
• Realignment of Bass Highway at Wynyard
• Railton Main Road upgrade

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.

The 2020-21 State Budget is all about jobs, confidence and our community. This significant investment in our State’s North West and West provides a strong platform for the region to thrive and build on its competitive advantages for many years to come.