Tasmania continues to benefit from the Morrison-Joyce Government’s record infrastructure investment, with $639 million committed to the state’s infrastructure pipeline in this week’s Federal Budget.
As part of our plan for a stronger future, our Government is continuing to invest in projects that create jobs, keep commuters and freight safe and moving, and drive economic growth.
With investments in new and existing infrastructure projects in every state and territory, the Government’s national rolling 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline will increase from $110 billion to over $120 billion, a new record.
Key new projects funded in Tasmania in the 2022-23 Budget include:
- $336 million for the Tasmanian Roads Package – Northern Roads Package – Stage 2
- $100 million for the Great Eastern Drive Tourism Support – additional packages
- $96 million for the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program – Tranche 4
- $56 million for the Tasmanian Roads Package – Tasman Highway Sideling Upgrade – Stage 2
- $24 million for the Bell Bay Line – Reconnection to the Bell Bay Wharf
- $14.4 million for the Melba Line Bulk Minerals Rail Hub
- $13.5 million for the Hobart – Northern Transit Corridor Solution
This brings the Coalition’s total infrastructure investment in Tasmania since 2013 to more than $4.5 billion across 98 road and rail infrastructure projects, with 52 projects having been completed in the period.
Australian Government-funded transport infrastructure projects which are currently under construction in Tasmania are expected to support around 750 jobs over the life of the projects.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government’s record infrastructure investment was keeping Australians moving and supporting thousands of local jobs across the country.
“A strong economy means a stronger future,” the Prime Minister said.
“Continuing to provide record future funding for road and rail projects is a key part of our economic plan for the long term to keep our economy strong.
“By investing in these projects we are delivering the infrastructure that the Australian economy needs to grow, to get Australians home sooner and safer, and generate thousands of jobs and new opportunities for small businesses right across the State.
“Australia’s future success relies on a strong economy. Our strong economic recovery is being driven by our record funding for major road projects right across the country.
“Our investment in these infrastructure projects will support more than 2,500 direct and indirect jobs in Tasmania over the construction life of these projects, providing certainty and security for businesses and communities across the State.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government is building the infrastructure that will make our nation and economy stronger.
“We are investing in projects that will drive the growth of industries that generate the wealth our nation needs to become as strong as possible as quickly as possible,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Getting more commodities to ports and sending them overseas will generate more export income, making our nation wealthier and stronger. Better roads and infrastructure will enable that.”
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said infrastructure is a key pillar of our economic plan to grow the economy and get more Australians into work.
“With the unemployment rate already at an equal 48 year low, the measures in this Budget will create an additional 40,000 jobs across Australia, building on our world leading economic recovery,” the Treasurer said.
“By enhancing transport connectivity, we’re strengthening our supply chains against challenges such as COVID-related disruptions and the impact of natural disasters. This gives businesses and consumers the confidence and certainty they need in uncertain times.”
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said this investment would support sustainable growth across Tasmania.
“Our Government has a strong track record in delivering infrastructure that improves connections, reduces congestion and helps keep Australians moving, particularly across our fast growing urban centres,” Minister Fletcher said.
“What this means for commuters is less time spent in traffic and more time with loved ones, and the ability to move around more easily for work, which has a positive economic and productivity impact while helping to secure long-term prosperity and liveability.”
