Hobart’s City Deal is delivering for the Tasmanian capital with the first annual report show casing a boost for the local economy through job-creating investments.
The report highlights how the Deal is leveraging Hobart’s strengths to make the city an even better place to live, easier to get around and help support local businesses and innovation.
Across the $887 million deal, substantial work is underway on all projects one year into the 10-year agreement.
It includes:
- Geotechnical work underway and design requirements established for the new $576 million Bridgewater Bridge;
- Pre-construction work underway on the new Hobart Airport Interchange;
- Antarctic and Science Precinct business case underway;
- Affordable housing supply boosted by 386 new homes;
- First of 100 new social housing dwellings delivered.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the people of Hobart should be proud at the progress made at a time when new jobs and economic growth were crucial.
“With communities and businesses reeling from the impacts of COVID-19, we know that every single job created and dollar invested will make a world of difference,” Mr Tudge said.
“Through this deal the Morrison Government can deliver what Hobart needs right now, and set it up for the future.”
Tasmanian Minister for State Growth Michael Ferguson said significant progress had been made towards road upgrades right across the city.
“This Deal will continue to progress the nearly $887 million investment in Hobart’s roads by all three levels of government to bust congestion, improve traffic flow and bolster road safety to ensure commuters get to spend more time at home and with their families,” Minister Ferguson Said.
“Things are happening at Macquarie Point with the commencement of the Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) for the first land release and work underway on creating an Antarctic and Science precinct at Macquarie Point,” he said.
Senator for Tasmania Jonno Duniam said the Deal was tackling some of the key challenges facing the region head-on, such as providing stable accommodation for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
“It’s great to see the first of over 100 new social housing dwellings being delivered for Hobart’s most vulnerable residents, thanks to $42 million in funding agreements now in place between the Australian Government and community housing providers,” Senator Duniam said.
Senator for Tasmania Eric Abetz said the game-changing City Deal was creating jobs for locals at a time they are needed most, with over 1,400 jobs expected to be supported over the course of the Deal.
“We will continue to work hard across all levels of government to maintain the fantastic momentum achieved in the Deal’s first year, supporting much-needed jobs and economic stimulus during COVID-19 while securing a strong future for Hobart,” Senator Abetz said.
City of Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said she was looking forward to more progress on several public transport projects and the work done this year will be a good foundation.
“COVID has created a year that no one was expecting. The collaborative discussions and investigations have provided a strong foundation for projects that will help us recover and thrive.”
“We’ve also established a Smart Cities Working Group for all levels of government to collectively explore further investment and economic opportunities for the region.”
Clarence City Mayor Doug Chipman said the Greater Hobart Act had already become a reality, underpinning more collaborative and strategic planning for the city’s future.
“With the Act already passed through parliament and in effect since the end of 2019, we now have an enduring piece of legislation that ensures a framework of collaboration between the region’s local governments for generations to come,” Mayor Chipman said.
Glenorchy City Mayor Kristie Johnston said the Tasmanian Government’s recent commitment of $68.5 million to redevelop the Derwent Entertainment Centre through the Deal, including $20 million for a community four-court multisport facility, was exciting news for the city.
“Tasmania has already been granted a ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Basketball League licence for the 2021-22 season off the back of this commitment, with the team to be based right here at the new and improved centre once works are complete,” Mayor Johnston said.
Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter said work on the Kingston Congestion Package was already underway, building on existing transport infrastructure in the Kingborough area to reduce congestion.
“We’ve started work on a Kingston Place Strategy to guide the revitalisation of the Kingston CBD, with construction on other upgrades like park and ride facilities at Huntingfield and Firthside set to start by the end of the year,” Mayor Winter said.
The 10-year Hobart City Deal is a joint initiative of the Australian and Tasmanian governments and the Hobart, Clarence, Glenorchy and Kingborough councils.
The Hobart City Deal 2019 Annual Progress Report is available at . An updated snapshot of projects is attached.
