Infrastructure Minister Jeremy Rockliff has provided Tasmanians with a master class on how to devise half-baked water transportation plans that – without exception – sink without a trace.
Mr Rockliff proved comprehensively in Estimates hearings today that he has failed across all modes of ferry transport, despite trying to con Tasmanians into believing he would deliver on fantasy infrastructure projects.
Shadow Infrastructure Minister David O'Byrne said Mr Rockliff's promise to deliver a regular and reliable cross river ferry service in Hobart would likely never get off the ground, his promise to deliver new Spirit of Tasmania vessels by 2021 was shaky and his Bruny Island ferry plan was an abject disaster.
"The truth is the Hodgman Liberal Government is fumbling around in the dark and has no plan and no vision to improve infrastructure and public transport," Mr O'Byrne said.
"This is a do-nothing government and Minister and when it comes to infrastructure, their fantasy plans are little more than thought bubbles.
"After five wasted years with the Liberals, not one infrastructure project has been commenced in Tasmania that was not already announced by the previous Federal and State Labor Governments.
"Despite Mr Rockliff's promises as recently as last weekend, ferries are very, very unlikely to be transporting passengers on the Derwent under a Liberal Government because there is no money allocated in the budget for this service.
"The TT line vessels will not be delivered on time.
"Higher fees, unreliable sailings and a growing list of logistical issues have come to characterise Bruny Island ferry services. It's been revealed today that the request for proposal for the Bruny Island service mislead those tendering for the job when it stated the distance between Kettering and Bruny was just under 2km when it was in fact just under 3km. The incompetence is just astounding.
"Jeremy Rockliff has failed Tasmanians and he has no ferry idea."
David O'Byrne MP
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure
