DELIVERING INTER-GENERATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND JOB CREATION FOR TASMANIA

Guy Barnett MP, Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing

The Tasmanian Liberal Government continues to work with businesses and industry to deliver inter-generational infrastructure and strategic jobs growth that will benefit Tasmanians for decades to come.

This includes through the 10-year $2.5 billion Hobart City Deal, which has set the blueprint for Greater Hobart City and its future.

Over the past three years, the Tasmanian Liberal Government has invested $806 million into countless initiatives with 35 of the 69 commitments completed, and the remaining 34 all actively progressing.

The 2022-23 State Budget continues this investment which provides $37.2 million of our $78 million contribution for the next stage in our plan to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime development at Macquarie Point for Tasmanians to enjoy for generations to come.

The funding allocated to Macquarie Point will finalise the remediation task and see the next stage of the project progress, with more parcels of land going to market and the first development applications expected to be lodged with the Hobart City Council later this year.

This next stage alone has the potential to attract $1 billion in private sector investment in Hobart, creating 9,800 construction jobs and 2,300 ongoing jobs, while boosting housing supply and creating community spaces for us all to enjoy.

The second stage of the Antarctic and Science Precinct business case is now finalised and the largest transport infrastructure project in Tasmanian history – the $786 million new Bridgewater Bridge – has received planning approval and it is full steam ahead on that build.

The $569 million Launceston City Deal continues to deliver jobs, drive economic stimulus, and unlock lasting benefits for the community through city-defining projects.

Fifteen of the City Deal’s original 33 commitments have been completed and the 2022-23 State Budget includes $505,000 to continue the management and coordination of the Launceston City Deal as well as other Northern Cities Initiative projects.

It means work will progress on the $129.2 million upgrade to Launceston’s combined stormwater and sewage system, improving the health of the estuary and building infrastructure for our future.

Construction is well underway on the $97 million Willis Street development – the largest building in the
$304 million redevelopment of the University of Tasmania’s (UTAS) Inveresk campus.

This building will include state-of-the-art facilities focusing on food science and agriculture research, nursing simulation labs to train the future health workforce and new spaces for courses in allied health.

Building and construction activity provides immediate economic and jobs boosts to local communities, as well as promising a long-term economic return to our State.

This is why, under our long-term plan, the Tasmanian Liberal Government has already invested $25 million into the Building Projects Support Program, which has supported $238 million in local projects.

Supporting all Tasmanians to participate in sport has broad social, health and economic benefits for our community and this is why this year’s Budget also invests in sporting infrastructure for the future.

Tasmanians have the right to be part of and enjoy our national sports and be supported to do so in their home State.

The Dial Park Regional Sports Complex will be upgraded with $25 million allocated over two years, $34.7 million will deliver on our commitment to build a multisport facility at Wilkinsons Point, benefiting both the community and continuing our Tasmanian JackJumpers journey.

We are serious about supporting a Tasmanian AFL team and the State Budget delivers on this with $1.25 million for the AFL Team Taskforce and southern stadium feasibility, bringing us closer to reaching our goal, while supporting our construction industry, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is getting on with the job of driving investment with a record investment into infrastructure and strategic growth that will serve Tasmania well for generations to come.