Labor promises $60 million for community roads if elected

LABOR has promised a $60 million community roads package if it is elected including $5.5 million road duplication for the main access road to the Launceston Airport.

Tasmanian Labor leader Rebecca White, left, speaks to the media while on the campaign trail. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

LABOR has promised a $60 million community roads package if it is elected including $5.5 million road duplication for the main access road to the Launceston Airport.

Labor leader Rebecca White said the duplication of the road from the airport to Breadalbane would improve safety.

‘We need to ensure that people can safely access nearby businesses such as car rentals, fuel outlets, couriers and other businesses,” Ms White said.

“We need to make sure the road into Launceston makes a first impression that matches the rest of the visitor experience in Tasmania.”

Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said the Liberals had announced a plan to commit $5.5 million in funding to upgrade Evandale Rd between the Breadalbane roundabout and the Launceston Airport on January 15.

“Once again, Labor has stolen a policy from the Liberals,” he said.

Labor Infrastructure spokesman Shane Broad said other roads to be upgraded include the Christmas Hills intersection on the Bass Highway and the Detention River to Marrawah road.

RACT executive general manager of membership and community Stacey Pennicott said upgrading roads in conjunction with road safety education was a key to reducing the road toll.

“As our tourist numbers have increased so too has the need to educate visitors about road safety and the unique driving conditions,” Ms Pennicott said.

Northern Midlands Mayor David Downie said increased visitors and the busy TransLink commercial zone had increased traffic and put more pressure on the road from the airport to the Breadalbane roundabout.

The Liberals have promised a $95.5 million roads package for the South, $62 million for the North-West and $142.6 million for the North.