The Hodgman Liberal Government has a strong collaborative relationship with the Turnbull Government, and last night’s Federal Budget confirms it is delivering for Tasmania’s future infrastructure needs.
This financial year the Turnbull Coalition Government will invest an estimated total of $202 million in Tasmanian roads and rail infrastructure projects, including critical freight rail upgrades through the Freight Rail Revitalisation Program and the continuation of the $500 million Midland Highway 10 Year Action Plan.
This represents a significant increase of about $60 million in Federal infrastructure funding over last year.
Tasmania’s economy is growing at its fastest rate in six years, and the strong infrastructure investment in the 2016-17 Federal Budget will build on that growth - creating jobs and supporting improved business productivity across the state.
Local council roads will be the big winner with a doubling of Roads to Recovery funding over the next three years.
Additionally, in 2016-17 we will see strong Federal contributions towards three major road projects that are vital to supporting continued jobs and economic growth. These projects are:
There is also $4 million in funding to plan and design options to provide capacity improvements and reduce congestion at the Domain Road/Brooker Highway interchange, $7 million in maintenance funding next year to maintain the national highway, and $5.5 million in Black Spot funding - $2 million more than last year – as well as $2 million in the continuation of the local Bridges renewal program.
The quality of the major rail lines in our productive regions will also be improved with a Federal contribution this Budget year of nearly $21 million through the Freight Rail Revitalisation Program, to be matched by an equivalent State contribution.
This budget is one that delivers for Tasmania, which is changing for the better thanks to the policies of the Hodgman Liberal Government.
Our economy is growing, and we are pleased that the Turnbull Government’s 2016-17 Budget is supporting jobs and growth in Tasmania through such strong infrastructure investment.