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Budget 2023-24
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ROADS AND BRIDGES INVESTMENT TO BOOST ECONOMY AND GROW JOBS IN TASMANIA

MICHAEL FERGUSON MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

The Rockliff Liberal Government is building Tasmania’s future through a $2.2 billion investment in roads and bridges over the next four years that will transform Tasmania’s transport infrastructure while supporting jobs and boosting the economy.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said the capital investment program was underpinned by the biggest transport infrastructure project in Tasmanian history – the $786 million new Bridgewater Bridge – the investment in roads and bridges will reach into every corner of the State to improve safety and amenity for a growing population and economy.

The Government’s capital funding for our roads and bridges over the next four years will secure:

  • The completion of the Bridgewater Bridge;
  • The completion of the $565 million 10-Year Midland Highway Action Plan;
  • Achieving the transformation of the Tasman Highway between Hobart and Sorell into a four-lane connection, including the duplication of the Midway Point and Sorell causeways;
  • Ongoing investment of $280 million in Bass Highway improvements between Launceston and Marrawah; and
  • A State investment of $213 million in Northern roads through East and West Tamar Highway upgrades, the Launceston and Tamar Valley Traffic Vision and Northern Region upgrades program.

“Roads program funding in the Budget secures major projects such as the Sideling upgrades on the Tasman Highway, the duplication of the South Arm Highway at Rokeby and ongoing improvements to the safety and amenity of the Great Eastern Drive,” Mr Ferguson said.

“The capital program also locks in the step-change increase in road maintenance funding from last year’s Budget.

“Funding of more than $683.1 million is allocated to Tasmania’s roads and bridges program in 2023-24 alone – extending the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s history of increasing capital investment every year since the election of the Hodgman Liberal Government in 2014.

“The Budget also includes funding to progress our work on a range of initiatives to create a contemporary, efficient and attractive public transport system.

“This includes the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor where we will introduce rapid buses as part of a wider network to service our major growth corridors, allowing people to move around quickly and comfortably.

“The Budget contains $28.2 million over four years to develop the common ticketing solution for all general access public transport providers across the State. Funding for this game-changing initiative now sits with the Department of State Growth as we work to finalise a partnership with another jurisdiction.

“Importantly, this year’s Budget includes new funding of $20.8 million over four years for the Targeting Congestion Package, a boost to key projects to deliver relief to urban congestion, including funding for capital projects and facilitating public transport uptake and accessibility.

“This ensures progress on other bus-related initiatives – including three new park and ride facilities, extra services for high-demand routes and the bus stop upgrade program.

“In addition, nearly $19 million over four years was provided last year to lock in the Derwent Ferry service from Bellerive to Hobart and to upgrade facilities on the eastern shore, while we press ahead with our Masterplan to expand services to other locations along the river in collaboration with the Greater Hobart Councils and Australian Government.

“This Budget delivers record investment in infrastructure which continues to strengthen our economy to ensure jobs growth for our great State.”