COAG Confirms Funding for Infrastructure

More than $800 million will be invested in major infrastructure projects in Tasmania under a five-year deal signed at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting today.

Premier Will Hodgman said the National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure would help revitalise Tasmania’s road and rail infrastructure.

“The Australian and Tasmanian governments will be working in partnership to upgrade the Midland Highway, our major North-South passenger and freight corridor, which was largely neglected by previous Labor-Green government,” Mr Hodgman.

“The agreement today has confirmed the Australian Government’s contribution to the Federal-State $500 million investment over 10 years.

“Similarly, the agreement locks in a significant investment in the State’s rail infrastructure, along with funding for key smaller projects such as upgrading the ramps on the eastern end of the Tasman Bridge.”

Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said the signing of the agreement would assist the Tasmanian Government and the State’s civil construction industry in planning for major works.

“This agreement provides vital certainty for civil contractors in Tasmania, some of whom have struggled in recent times,” Mr Hidding said.

“Funding will begin to flow in the short-term, with six projects approved by the federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development for safety improvement works on the Midland Highway, totalling $15 million, to begin this calendar year.

“The signing of this agreement is great news for Tasmanian road users, private and commercial, and the civil construction industry, and demonstrates the commitment of the Coalition and Liberal governments to delivering modern transport infrastructure.”
Will Hodgman, Premier, Rene Hidding, Minister for Infrastructure