Tasmanian Budget 2020-21

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 Southern Tasmania

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 South, 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.

“We are investing $89.8 million to continue Stage 2 of the Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment, including an expanded Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit, $3.7 million for the pharmacy redevelopment at the RHH, and $19.8 million over two years to build 27 mental health beds in Southern Tasmania.

“$3.4 million has been allocated over two years for the Hobart Safe Spaces homeless accommodation, and $15.9 million for the South-East Irrigation Scheme.

This Budget also allocates $40 million for the Brighton High School, $20 million to revitalise Cosgrove High School and $25.3 million for the new K-12 Sorell School.

“We have also allocated $68.5 million for the Derwent Entertainment Centre upgrade and Indoor Multi-Sports Facility.”

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.

“We have allocated $175.5 million over four years with the Australian Government for the Greater Hobart Traffic Solution, including funding to address congestion in Kingborough, a fifth lane on the Southern Outlet, bus prioritisation measures and park and ride facilities.

“There is $65 million towards the Tasman Bridge upgrades, as part of a $130 million State and Federal Government commitment.

“We are also investing $46.5 million, together with the Australian Government, for the Hobart Airport Interchange, which is part of the now $350 million South East Traffic Solution.

“$23.2 million is allocated for duplication of the East Derwent Highway at Geilston Bay, including COVID-19 stimulus funding for improved local road connections.”

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
Duplication of the Tasman Highway from Cambridge through to Sorell, including causeway and bridge duplications and a bypass of the Sorell township
Congestion busting package for Greater Hobart
Final stages of the Richmond Road upgrades
Upgrade of the Arthur Highway at Eaglehawk Neck and new stopping bays at Murdunna
Sandfly intersection upgrade on the Huon Highway
Installation of new, smart transport management systems, which includes on-road traveller information, variable message boards and automated and dynamic tidal flow for the Tasman Bridge

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 focuses on the infrastructure and services Tasmanians need now and into the future, and by investing in that infrastructure, we will create and support the jobs and confidence needed to recover and rebuild.