The Hodgman majority Liberal Government is delivering on our Plan to build the infrastructure our growing State needs.
Infrastructure expenditure in Tasmania is expected to top $1.5 billion this financial year alone and we know it is also important to take a long term coordinated approach.
Since the State election, we have detailed a 10-year Infrastructure Pipeline, the first ever, which clearly maps out planned infrastructure development from which medium to long-term private investment and employment decisions can be made.
The Tasmanian Infrastructure Pipeline includes 247 vital projects, each valued at $5 million or more, and totalling a combined $13.9 billion over the 10 years of the Pipeline. In addition, $4.1 billion in private construction projects and $8.1 billion in horizon projects have been identified.
This includes economic infrastructure that helps us grow and prosper such as roads, rail, energy, water and sewerage, irrigation, stormwater, ports, airports and communications, as well as the social infrastructure that forms the basis of our society and communities like public housing, schools, hospital and prisons.
The redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Hospital, Mersey Community Hospital and new Ward 4K at the LGH are highly visible examples of current public infrastructure being delivered, along with more than $110 million already invested in upgrades to nearly 20 Tasmanian schools and the $500 million Midland Highway rebuild.
Contracts have also been awarded for the $72 million Visitor Economy roads program – the first ever dedicated investment in ensuring our tourism road are safer for visitors and local alike.
Funding is now locked in from both the State and Federal governments for the new $576 million Bridgewater Bridge and planning has started on projects to relieve traffic congestion through the Hobart CBD, increase capacity on Launceston’s Charles Street Bridge and upgrade the West Tamar Highway.
The Hodgman Liberal Government recognises that infrastructure projects require considered consultation, planning and design, and through our strong financial management we are investing record amounts in infrastructure to create jobs, grow the economy and make the lives of Tasmanians even better.
