Federal Budget nod for $187m Sorell causeway duplication
Long-suffering commuters will be among the biggest winners from a $350 million federal budget infrastructure announcement.
Politics
Don't miss out on the headlines from Politics. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- State Growth reveals revised design for highway upgrade
- Sorell commuters face an eight-year wait for roads funding
THE Sorell Causeway duplication will proceed as part of a $350 million Tasmanian infrastructure boost to be announced by federal treasurer Josh Fydenberg in Tuesday’s budget.
The long-awaited $187 million project is part of a package of infrastructure projects to be given the green light in a bid to create 2200 jobs.
Planning has been underway for the causeway duplication — the missing link in the South-East Traffic solution, which includes upgrades to Airport Roundabout and the Midway Point interchange.
In addition to the upgrade, the federal government will also announce $65 million towards a $130 million upgrade package for the Tasman Bridge, including structural strengthening and traffic improvements.
There will be $40 million for upgrades of the Bass Highway between Deloraine and Devonport, $16 million for upgrades of the West Tamar Highway between Exeter and Launceston, and $7.1 million for safety works on the Midland Highway between Symmons Plains and Tunbridge.
The new spending includes $12 million for freight bridge upgrades and $16 million for measures to improve freight efficiency and safety near Bridport.
And there is an another $52 million for ongoing upgrades to the Midland Highway.
Tasmanian Liberal Senator Jonno Duniam said the funding would help the state rebuild from the economic devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
“This is a massive investment in Tasmania’s road to recovery,” Senator Duniam said
“These bridges, roads and causeways will support thousands of jobs, boost the construction industry and stimulate our local economies.
“This funding is recognition of the role Tasmania will play in driving our country’s economic recovery and we look forward to supporting the Tasmanian government to deliver these projects as soon as possible.
“Our government is backing Tasmania during these unprecedented times to ensure our regions can bounce back, bigger and better than ever.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the infrastructure project would deliver jobs.
“The substantial injection of funding delivered in this year’s Budget shows the Government is serious about laying the foundations for an infrastructure-led recovery from the economic shock of the global pandemic,” he said.
“We have been working closely with state and territory governments to invest in the infrastructure that is ready to go and can help rebuild our economy and create more jobs.
“As part of the COVID-19 economic recovery plan we have invested an additional $425 million into shovel-ready projects across the state.
“This latest investment will provide another boost to the local economy by supporting an estimated 2200 direct and indirect jobs across the state.”
Unions still asking if Premier supports privatisation
“When you change your position on an issue by 180 degrees, it’s reasonable for people to ask some questions”: Unions are still questioning the Premier’s privatisation stance, up to the day of voting polls opening.
Last-ditch pitches: the major parties give their last sell for the election
In the final hours before Tasmanians hit the polling booths, candidates from the major parties have given their final pitch to the state on why they deserve to be elected. What they have to say.