The Minister for Infrastructure, David O'Byrne, today launched better and safer access to Burnie's new sporting and cultural hub.

 

The $3.3 million upgrade to the West Park Grove junction included a $1.4 million State Government grant from the Urban Renewal and Heritage Fund.

 

"The Burnie City Council has done an excellent job modernizing the West Park precinct into a place Burnie locals can enjoy and be proud of," Mr O'Byrne said.

 

"The State Government has responded by providing safer and more efficient access from the Bass Highway, so locals and visitors can make the most of this impressive transformation.

 

"We know that good strategic investment in infrastructure is one of the best ways to drive new economic opportunities, and create jobs.

 

"This is already a busy intersection, with well over 25,000 vehicles each day passing through the work site.

 

"We've planned strategically for the long-term, and upgraded the intersection to handle increased traffic flows well into the future," he said.

 

West Park is being re-developed as a recreational and cultural precinct, including the West Park Oval, The Point sports facility building, the new Makers' Workshop Tourism Centre, and the Boardwalk linking West Park to the city centre.

 

The junction upgrade also moved all underground services to outside the highway lanes - including Cradle Mountain Water mains, Aurora power mains, DIER traffic signals, as well as Telstra and Tas Communications services.

 

There was a TasGas main installed, and a major upgrade of the stormwater system.

 

"I want to thank the Burnie City Council and those utility companies for their excellent support and teamwork," Mr O'Byrne said.

 

"It's another example of different governments and businesses working together to provide great improvements for the community," he said.