Last week’s signing of a National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure has unlocked an $800 million investment by the Australian Government in Tasmania.
This investment will drive jobs and economic growth, literally laying the foundations for the future with more efficient, safer transport infrastructure.
Some funds released under this five-year agreement will be complemented by the Liberal Government’s co-contributions as detailed in our first Budget, while other payments will be made directly to councils for upgrades to their local road networks.
The great news for Tasmanians is that this funding will start to flow within weeks, with work to start on a number of projects around the State.
The shared commitment of the Coalition and Liberal governments to jointly invest $500 million over 10 years on upgrading the critical Midland Highway will soon begin to be rolled out and those works will no doubt be a welcome sight for road users.
Through the National Partnership Agreement, the Australian Government has confirmed a $200 million investment over the next five years.
In addition, the agreement provides:
• $130 million for other important capital projects, such as the Brooker Highway, new road design at the eastern side of the Tasman Bridge, upgrades to our vital North-East Tasmanian freight roads, and major work on the Bell Bay intermodal terminal;
• $67 million for local government’s Roads to Recovery program;
• $228 million in other untied roads grants to local government; and
• $38 million for National Highway Maintenance, as well as $10 million for the Black Spot program and $6 million for a heavy vehicle productivity program.
The signing of the National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure will deliver confidence, activity and much-needed investment in our economy.
Rene Hidding, Minister for Infrastructure
