The Liberal government's lack of progress on its promised fifth lane for Hobart's Southern Outlet has left motorists in gridlock and added to the long list of government infrastructure failures and broken promises.
Shadow Treasurer David O'Byrne said while motorists spend increasing amounts of time on the road and away from their families, projects continue to stall as the Infrastructure Minister dithers.
"Adding a fifth lane to the Southern Outlet was a key infrastructure promise from the Liberals during the 2018 election campaign," Mr O'Byrne said.
"But, as with so many other promises from this government, there has still been no progress - more than two years later.
"Residents south of Hobart remain in gridlock, while the project is bounced back and forth between consultants, with no indication that concept designs due by now have been completed.
"This is yet another infrastructure failure from the Minister Michael Ferguson, and another blow for motorists waiting for relief from traffic congestion.
"Among other promised projects contributing to traffic chaos in the south, the Hobart Airport Roundabout has been beset by delays and cost blowouts, the Sorell Bypass is nowhere to be seen and there's been almost no progress on the duplication of the Tasman Highway between Sorell and Hobart. And, of course, the Bridgewater Bridge is still no closer to reality.
"This lack of action underlines concerns about the Liberals' COVID-19 infrastructure package. How are they going to build their way out of the pandemic and create much-needed jobs with their demonstrated inability to build anything?
"Labor's COVID-19 Recovery Package contains a plan to progress infrastructure and create jobs. I urge the Minister to consider our proposals so we can get Tasmanians back into jobs, help those hardest-hit by the pandemic and create a better and fairer economy and society."
David O'Byrne
Shadow Treasurer
