Talking Point: We need to fast-track new projects

As we emerge from economic shutdown, we must invest in projects that are shovel-ready, says Brendan Blomeley

One of projects that could be brought forward in the post-economic shutdown period, is the $50 million Hobart Airport interchange project. Picture: Zak Simmonds

AS we tentatively navigate our way out of the COVID-19 shutdown, all three levels of government must throw support behind strategic infrastructure projects that deliver jobs, reboot the economy and are “shovel- ready”.

We need strategic infrastructure projects which can be delivered quickly and, importantly, have long-term benefit to the community.

The RACT is right in calling on the State Government to bring forward a number of projects across the state.

In the south, the RACT calls for construction of the $50 million Hobart Airport interchange to be brought forward and the River Derwent ferry service to be made a priority.

I would also suggest the government’s Southeast Traffic Solution, which will duplicate the Sorell causeway and ease the Midway Point bottleneck, could be brought forward, giving relief to south-east commuters.

During the recent Clarence City Council budget process, I prioritised several other local projects which were also capable of helping the region “glide out” of the pandemic shutdown.

These included the Cambridge bypass, expansion of the Geilston Bay four-lane highway, new Gordons Hill Road on/off ramps, an upgrade to the South Arm Highway between Pass Rd to Lauderdale, and traffic lights at the Acton Rd intersection and the Bayview sporting precinct.

I have previously called on the Tasmanian Government to prioritise a River Derwent ferry service which was part of its 2018 election pledge.

As we emerge from hibernation and rebuild, a Derwent ferry service from Bellerive to Sullivans Cove (and, ultimately, Glenorchy, Bridgewater and Blackmans Bay) would be a critical piece in the transport infrastructure jigsaw.

With infrastructure for a ferry service already in place at Bellerive Wharf and Brooke Street Pier, and Mona catamarans available, this project could be one that could be easily adopted once restrictions are lifted. These projects will create jobs, bring investment into local areas, helping small business, and modernise outdated infrastructure in preparation of the post-COVID-19 era.

As the RACT points out, with coronavirus restrictions in place, the level of traffic is significantly reduced, making it an ideal time to bring forward the projects so they can proceed with less disruption to traffic.

COVID-19 has made us all rethink how we do things.

The Tasmanian and federal governments and local opposition parties are to be commended for the leadership they have shown.

It is rare in politics to have such co-operation, and Tasmanians have shown overwhelmingly they support the way Premier Peter Gutwein has led us through this crisis.

In 1975, the collapse of the Tasman Bridge heralded a new era for the Eastern Shore.

Public funding was poured into essential services and infrastructure in the Clarence municipality, and from tragedy the region grew into what is now a major business and industry centre, and a popular and growing residential and recreational area. We have a once in a generation opportunity to get this right.

And, as with the bridge collapse, we have an opportunity to make our state a better place on the other side of COVID-19.

Brendan Blomeley is an alderman with Clarence City Council.