DELIVERING INVESTMENT, JOB CREATION AND STRATEGIC GROWTH FOR ALL TASMANIANS

GUY BARNETT MP, Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing

The Rockliff Liberal Government is getting things done with businesses and industry to deliver investment and strategic jobs growth that will build a strong, safe and secure future for all Tasmanians.

The Tasmanian Liberal Government recognises the significant contribution that our major industrials make to the State as major manufacturers, employers and general drivers of economic activity.

The 2023-24 Budget continues this investment which provides $750,000 over three years to deliver enhanced client-focused services to support existing major industrials, as well as those seeking to do business in the State.

The Budget also continues funding for the Office of the Coordinator-General which is Tasmania’s principal entity to attract and support investment in the State.

In the most recent financial year, the OCG facilitated projects worth over $328 million of investment. This brought the total of investment facilitated since 2015-16 to over $2.9 billion.

“It is well established that construction and infrastructure activity provides the vital jobs and economic boost Tasmania needs for sustained investment into cost-of-living relief, health, housing and education,’’ Minister Barnett said.

“The 2023-24 Budget includes new funding of $230 million over the Budget and Forward Estimates towards a $715 million initiative that will deliver a new stadium to support Tasmania’s AFL licence as part of a new multi-purpose arts, entertainment and sporting precinct at Hobart’s Macquarie Point which will enhance and support wider urban renewal projects across Greater Hobart.

“It also includes new funding of $60 million towards a new AFL High Performance Training and Administration Centre to accommodate and support the new Tasmanian AFL and AFLW teams now that a licence has been granted.

In addition, the facility is anticipated to be accessed for community use purposes and for use by Tasmanian elite athletes. The ability to further develop community partnerships and programs is an important element of the vision for the facility.

“The Urban Renewal project has a multi-purpose stadium at its core and will inspire economic activity around it and strengthen our economy for decades to come. It will unlock the potential of the Macquarie Point Precinct, cementing the site as the next step in building a more vibrant Hobart, growing our economy and creating jobs, benefitting all Tasmanians.

“The Precinct has the potential to attract millions of dollars in private investment, with the stadium alone creating 4200 construction jobs and 950 on-going jobs per year, while boosting housing supply and creating community spaces for all Tasmanians to enjoy.’’

Minister Barnett said big investments like this in our State boosted the economy and allows us to reinvest the dividends into significant cost-of-living relief for our most vulnerable and provide record investment in health, housing and education.

The Rockliff Liberal Government is getting on with the job of delivering investment and strategic jobs growth that will build a strong economy and benefit Tasmanians for decades to come.