It is disappointing that some key North West projects identified by Labor have been excluded from Peter Gutwein's COVID infrastructure package.
Labor Member for Braddon, Anita Dow, said there was very little in yesterday's announcement that would provide short term stimulus for the North West and West Coast.
"The North West has been hardest hit by COVID-19 and businesses and the community are doing it really tough and will continue to for some time," Ms Dow said.
"While it was pleasing to see some local projects being fast-tracked, including the long awaited coastal pathway project between Cooee and Wynyard, some important infrastructure investments like upgrades to the Burnie Port, were overlooked.
"Labor has been calling on the Government to invest in the port as it is a major strategic infrastructure project that would deliver benefit right now to key industries, but also support future economic development across the North West coast and the rest of the state.
"We'd like to see investment in the masterplan and dredging that would allow passage for bigger ships to get more product off the island quicker and to market.
"Those upgrades would also allow concurrent access to the port for forest and minerals companies, at the same time as facilitating access for cruise ships."
Ms Dow said the stimulus package also had no mention of the Cradle Mountain redevelopment or progressing the Next Iconic Walk on the West Coast.
"Both of these projects will create much needed regional jobs and give the local community and tourism industry certainty for the future," Ms Dow said.
"Cradle Mountain is one of our premier tourism attractions and the revitalisation of the Cradle Mountain visitor experience and investment in this iconic site is absolutely critical for the growth of our regional economy."
Ms Dow said funding being brought forward for the Circular Head Bass Highway upgrades was long overdue and would be welcomed by the community and industry.
"I am hoping Peter Gutwein and his Braddon members take a good look over the package announced yesterday and move fast to fix these glaring omissions to prevent further job losses and business closures on the North West coast."
Anita Dow MP
Labor Member for Braddon
