The Hodgman Government has announced in its latest 10 year infrastructure pipeline that it is not planning to invest in vital upgrades at the Burnie Port.
This is despite calls from TasPorts that $80 million is needed to increase the port's capacity, improve ship loading capacity and construct an international container terminal. Despite the Federal Government's commitment for ship loading, nothing else is forthcoming.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said that investment in the port was crucial to protect and grow Tasmanian jobs.
"Under Will Hodgman, it's harder for Tasmanians to get a job here than anyone else in the country," Ms White said.
"People on the North-West Coast and in regional Tasmania find it even tougher to find work.
"The job-creating potential of upgrades at Burnie Ports is immense, including in mining, in agriculture, in forestry and for tourism.
"Companies like Venture Minerals and Forward Mining are calling out for deeper berths at the Port and better facilities but the Government is asleep at the wheel.
"It's a disgrace that Will Hodgman is not planning to spend a single cent on the Burnie Port.
"We know the Liberals have wrecked the Budget but Tasmanians looking for a job shouldn't have to pay for it."
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
