Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
The Tasmanian Government has committed $80 million towards the construction of a second Tamar River crossing between the West Tamar Highway, north of Riverside, and the East Tamar Highway north of University Way.
This strong commitment is in stark contrast to Labor, which failed to commit to a second river crossing for the people of Launceston during last year's election campaign, instead promising an unaffordable spendathon.
A preliminary business case has been completed with further complementary work being progressed including geotechnical investigations, which are now underway. It would seem clear that bridge opponent, Opposition Leader Rebecca White has avoided visiting the area.
The geotechnical investigations are crucial in informing refined costings and concept designs, which are being progressed for the business case.
The proposal is being further refined on the expectation that federal funding will likely require the project to be reviewed by Infrastructure Australia.
A number of traffic studies have considered the need for a second river crossing of the Tamar River as part of a broader Launceston transport plan to better manage the growth in traffic volumes on the West Tamar Highway.
Labor was clear in its opposition to the Tamar Bridge during last year's disastrous election campaign when it refused to match the Liberal plan. Today they must say why they continue to stand in the way of progressing this exciting initiative.
Only the Tasmanian Liberal Government will deliver the infrastructure projects our growing population needs for today and into the future.
