Hobart is set to reap the economic, jobs and housing rewards of its $1.6 billion City Deal with today’s release of the Implementation Plan outlining how projects will be delivered across the first three years of the deal.
The plan will ensure that hundreds of millions of dollars in City Deal commitments are invested into the CBD and Greater Hobart, and hundreds of new jobs are created off the back of the agreement.
It captures the specific actions required by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments and Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart and Kingborough Councils to hit project milestones.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge said the plan aligned all City Deal partners and their commitments.
“We have put together an incredible City Deal and now it’s time to deliver,” Mr Tudge said. “Today is an important step in unlocking the much needed economic stimulus and innovation that will stem from it.”
“A permanent pathway for international visitors and freight will be complete next year, followed by the start of international flights at Hobart Airport.”
“This in turn will help cement Hobart’s position as the gateway to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean including through establishing an Antarctic and Science Precinct.”
“Planning, design and construction of congestion-busting roads across Greater Hobart can start thanks to a combined investment of over $890 million.”
Tasmanian Minister for State Growth, and Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson said that this includes progressing a new Bridgewater Bridge.
“The Hodgman Liberal Government is undertaking planning and design work to continue to refine this project, with a view to agreeing a solution in 2020 and Tasmanians driving on it by 2024,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Releasing the Implementation Plan is a key milestone in moving forward on the City Deal, signifying the collaboration between City Deal Partners.”
“We have already completed a lot of the groundwork on a number of City Deal projects and this plan is a blueprint on how we will continue to build on Hobart’s position as a vibrant, liveable and investment-ready city.
“We have established the Greater Hobart Act to provide an enduring framework to further support collaboration between state and local government on strategic land use, infrastructure planning and decision making.
“I look forward to working with City Deal Partners to continue to deliver on our commitments.”
Lord Mayor, Anna Reynolds, speaking on behalf of the four Council signatories to the City Deal said, “We are very excited that the City Deal is a new chapter for Greater Hobart Planning.”
“We look forward to working in partnership with the Australian and State Governments to grow affordable housing and public transport in Greater Hobart.”
“We also understand that the City Deal is a living document and we will need to keep refining important projects and work together to find additional funding,” Lord Mayor Reynolds said.
The Implementation Plan would mainly focus on the first three years of the deal and be reviewed annually to track progress.
The Implementation Plan outlines how City Deal Partners will measure progress towards achieving key outcomes identified in the City Deal, which include:
- Increasing international access for visitors and freight – by supporting the commencement of international flights
- Strengthening Hobart’s position as the gateway to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean – including through establishing an Antarctic and Science Precinct
- Reducing congestion – through significant infrastructure investment and encouraging the uptake of public transport
- Creating a more diverse, affordable and inclusive housing mix – through investment in affordable housing and improved planning
- Activating the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor – by delivering a transport solution and urban renewal along the corridor.
