The Hodgman Liberal Government is delivering on our election commitment to take a long-term strategic approach to infrastructure investment as we Build Tasmania’s Future.
Infrastructure investment creates jobs, results in improved safety on our roads, and increases productivity for Tasmanian businesses.
This is especially relevant for one of our most important roads in the Midland Highway, which was disgracefully neglected under Labor and the Greens.
We have acted to resolve the long-standing issues with the Midland Highway, with numerous major projects being completed in last three years since the election.
These include:
However, there is still more to be done, with three separate contractors currently working on five projects with a workforce of up to 300 people over the summer.
The $44.4 million Perth to Breadalbane duplication is on track to be completed in mid-2018, and the $23 million White Lagoon to Mona Vale realignment and overtaking lanes with centre barrier is due for completion next summer.
I also announced recently that the $85 million Perth Link Project will be brought forward by two years with construction planned for commencement this coming summer.
This link road will connect the Symmons Plains to Perth, and Perth to Breadalbane projects, delivering a minimum AusRAP 3 star safety rating over a continuous 30 kilometre section of the Midland Highway between Symmons Plains and Launceston.
I would like to acknowledge the great support for these projects by the Australian Government, and thank the companies and workers that are doing a terrific job building this infrastructure.
The contrast between us and the Labor-Green disaster couldn’t be greater, and we will continue fixing Tasmania’s critical infrastructure and Building Tasmania’s Future.