Today we mark a significant milestone in the history of our State and also a sad occasion with the 40th anniversary of the Tasman Bridge disaster.
Twelve people died when the MV Lake Illawarra struck pylons of the iconic bridge on the evening of Sunday 5 January, 1975, while others were lucky to escape.
This morning I joined with Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman, Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey, victims’ relatives and survivors in a special ceremony to commemorate the tragic event.
The disaster caused major disruptions for people in Southern Tasmania until the bridge was repaired in October 1977.
This had significant and wide-ranging economic and social impacts on Hobart and particularly the Eastern Shore, demonstrating the importance of the Tasman Bridge.
The reconstruction added an extra lane and also saw improved safety measures for when large ships travel beneath.
The true legacy of the disaster is how Tasmanians pulled together in the days, weeks and months later.
As they were then, our thoughts today are with the families of those who died and with the survivors, rescue workers and all affected by this tragic event.
Rene Hidding, Minister for Infrastructure
