Landmark infrastructure program with a focus on roads and bridges

12 November 2020

Michael Ferguson MP

2020-21 Budget: Landmark infrastructure program with a focus on roads and bridges

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. The plan is already being aggressively implemented, with tenders being progressed and Tasmanians being employed.

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

Our massive $2.4 billion State roads and bridges program will support jobs, give the construction and engineering sector the confidence it needs to keep employing Tasmanians, and continue to improve safety and travel times on our roads.

The 2020-21 State Budget includes:

• $553 million over the next four years towards the $576 million new Bridgewater Bridge, with the procurement, planning approval and consultation processes already underway;
• $65 million to match funding from the Federal Budget for the $130 million Tasman Bridge project, which will improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, and provide for future traffic growth;
• $20 million as the first investment into the $37 million duplication of the Midway Point and Sorell causeways, to complement the $150 million in funding from the Federal Budget. In combination with the $162.5 million South East Traffic Solution, this will deliver a continuous four-lane highway from Hobart to Sorell;
• The joint State-Federal $46 million infrastructure stimulus package, together with $40 million in the Tasmanian Government’s COVID-19 Economic Support Package, both designed to keep our economy moving during COVID-19 recovery;
• $130 million over four years for the Greater Hobart Traffic Solution, including the fifth lane on the Southern Outlet, the Derwent River Ferry Service trial, Kingborough Park and Ride facilities and bus improvements, active transport upgrades and improvements to Macquarie and Davey Streets;
• More than $147 million in upgrades to the Bass Highway over four years as part of our $200 million joint commitment between Deloraine and Marrawah;
• Over $37 million in continued road upgrades to support the visitor economy across the State; and
• $189.9 million in continued upgrades to the Midland Highway as part of our 10 Year Action Plan.

We are also providing $208.8 million over four years to TasRail to deliver Tranche 2 and 3 of the Rail Revitalisation.

This Budget focuses on boosting infrastructure activity to stimulate the economy, create jobs and give businesses the confidence they need to keep investing and employing Tasmanians. This is how we will recover and rebuild a stronger Tasmania.