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Budget 2022-23
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DELIVERING THE VITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS THAT OUR GROWING TASMANIA NEEDS

Michael Ferguson MP, Treasurer, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is delivering for all Tasmanians as we continue to strengthen our economy by building the infrastructure that our growing State needs. In 2022-23 we have a commitment to deliver $712.5 million in roads and bridges, a massive 91.7 per cent increase on the 2021-22 Budget.

Funding for roads and bridges in the 2022-23 Budget and Forward Estimates will increase to a massive $2.7 billion (up from $2 billion last year).

This huge funding boost includes the largest transport infrastructure project in Tasmanian history – the $786 million new Bridgewater Bridge – co-funded by the Tasmanian and Australian Governments, and which recently received the first major projects planning approval.

Other co-funded major projects include:

  • the continuation of the $565 million Midland Highway Action Plan;
  • the ongoing $350 million South-East Traffic Solution between Sorell and Hobart;
  • the $120 million project to improve the Sideling section of the Tasman Highway between Scottsdale and Launceston; and
  • $280 million in continued upgrades to the Bass Highway between Launceston and Marrawah.

The co-funding represents an unprecedented investment in Tasmania’s road and bridge infrastructure following a record $317 million investment in 2020-21 with the aim of delivering a new record spend in the current financial year.

The Budget contains an extra $81.5 million for infrastructure maintenance to deliver a stronger and more resilient road network, lifting total investment into road maintenance to a record $388.5 million over the next four years. This is a record-setting increase to the maintenance budget and will grow capacity to keep our roads and highways to a high standard.

There will be a further $284.5 million over the Budget and Forward Estimates for Tasmania’s freight rail infrastructure. This includes Tasmanian and Australian Government funding for the Freight Rail Revitalisation Program, as well as reconnection of the Bell Bay Line to the wharf and investment in the Melba Line Bulk Minerals Hub.

Transport initiatives in the 2022-23 Budget include: $18.9 million to secure an ongoing ferry service between Hobart and Bellerive and associated infrastructure; $8.3 million towards bus stop upgrades; and $17.3 million towards three new Park and Ride facilities in Rokeby, the Sorell area, and Hobart’s Northern suburbs.

The Liberal Government’s expenditure delivered in 2020-21 alone was 245 per cent more than the last full year of the former Labor-Green Government, just eight years before.

We are continuing to deliver our record infrastructure program, to build thriving, connected communities, to harness our competitive advantage and create more opportunities for Tasmanians in every corner of our State to maintain a robust economy so that we can invest where it matters most.