A comprehensive study of the infrastructure needs of the state's West Coast will be used to inform Government priorities for road upgrades in the region.

The Minister for Infrastructure, David O'Byrne, said the Western Tasmanian Infrastructure Strategy has identified transport as the key infrastructure sector for investment.

"Through the mining, tourism, forestry and aquaculture sectors, we're seeing a diverse range of industries that make a significant contribution to our economy," he said.

"This study has found that the best way to deliver further economic benefits to the region would be through targeted upgrades of both road and rail that will also benefit local communities."

Mr O'Byrne said the study from Sinclair Knight Merz involved  consultation with local infrastructure users, and organisations that provide and manage the infrastructure in the region, with a focus on infrastructure for transport, energy, telecommunications and water over the next two decades.

The report's recommended project priorities focus on road and rail infrastructure upgrades:

• Murchison Highway, Zeehan Highway to Rosebery;
• Murchison Highway, Rosebery to Anthony Main Road;
• Murchison Highway, Anthony Main Road to Cradle Mountain Development Road;
• Pieman Road - upgrade to High Productivity Vehicle (HPV) standards;
• Zeehan Highway, Anthony Main Road to Murchison Highway; and
• The Melba Line - upgrades to increase axle limit, reliability and efficiency.

"Through the Commonwealth's Nation Building 2 program, we're progressing a submission for upgrades to the Murchison Highway from Anthony Main Road to Cradle Mountain Development Road as well as upgrades to the Melba Line," Mr O'Byrne said.

"And, through the Commonwealth Regional Infrastructure Fund we have an application for more detailed corridor planning, which will also consider the Port of Burnie.

"For our part, the State Government is also continuing with upgrades to the Murchison Highway under the $21m West Coast Roads Program, to improve safety and prepare for forecast freight increases.

"These projects include the Murchison Highway at Mount Black, and upgrades between the Anthony Main Road and Cradle Mountain Drive and construction is scheduled to begin this summer."

The Western Tasmania Industry Infrastructure Study is available on the DIER website at:

http://www.dier.tas.gov.au/plans_and_strategy/western_tasmania_industry_infrastructure_study