Tasmanian government unveils $1.8 billion infrastructure package

Work for tradies and an extension of the first homeowners’ grant are part of a $1.8 billion infrastructure package unveiled this morning to restart the Tasmanian economy and boost jobs. SEE THE FULL LIST OF PROJECTS >>

$5.9 million has been allocated for the Burnie court.

THE State Government has unveiled a $1.8 billion infrastructure package as part of a plan to restart the Tasmanian economy and boost jobs.

As the state begins to chart its way out of the coronavirus crisis, $100 million will be invested to build an additional 1000 social housing dwellings.

The Government will also extend a $20,000 first homebuyer scheme to all owner occupier new home builds for contracts entered into from today until the end of the year with the build to be completed within 18 months.

Tasmanian Government update. 04/06/20. *Audio will commence just before press conference.

Posted by The Mercury Newspaper on Wednesday, 3 June 2020

The upgrade of the Derwent Entertainment Centre has also been funded as part of the program, with $68.5 million to refurbish the facility.

It is expected to pave the way for Tasmania to re-enter the National Basketball League, with Premier Peter Gutwein saying a final deal with the league is soon to be agreed upon.

Mr Gutwein said construction activity drives jobs and increases aggregate demand.

He said he hoped the incentives on offer for people to build new homes would give prospective buyers confidence.

Full list of projects

• 1,000 Social Housing Dwellings – $100 million: The Government will invest an additional $100 million under new agreements with Community Housing Providers to deliver up to an additional 1,000 new social houses.
• Fast-tracking 220 Affordable Houses – $24 million: The Government will bring forward funding of $14 million and provide new funding of $10 million to deliver 220 new social houses by 2022 – a year earlier than planned.
• Expanded HomeShare Program – $9.3 million: HomeShare reduces the initial cost of buying a house and the monthly cost of owning it. The Scheme opens the door to home ownership for those who have enough income to make the step but need a helping hand.
• Home Builder Grant of $20,000 – $20 million: The Government will make a $20,000 grant available to all owner occupier new home builds for contracts entered into from today until the end of 2020 and the build completed with eighteen months. Detailed guidelines and eligibility criteria will be available on June 9.
• Derwent Entertainment Centre –$68.5 million: The Government is well advanced with discussions with both the NBL and LK Group with regard to the establishment of a Tasmanian NBL franchise, development of the DEC and Wilkinson’s Point precinct and the establishment of a community multi-sport venue. To realise this initiative, the Government will provide $68.5 million for the upgrade of the Derwent Entertainment Centre as a world class entertainment and sporting facility including $20 million for a community four court multisport facility.
• Regional Health and Ambulance Facilities Fund – $10 million
• Burnie Court – Bringing Forward $5.9 million
• Child and Family Learning Centres – Additional $7 million
• Launceston Police Station Refurbishment – $7 million
• Emergency Services State Operation Centre – $3.5 million
• Police Housing Upgrades – $8.7 million
• Cooee – Wynyard Coastal Pathway – $12 million
• Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens – Additional $4 million
• Cascades Female Factory – $3 million
• Improving the Playing Field Fund for Sporting Organisations – $10 million
• Public Building Maintenance Program – Additional $20 million
• Local Government Loans – Additional $50 million
• State Road Safety Upgrade Fund – $40 million
• Irrigation Schemes – $15 million
• Trades and Water Centre of Excellence – Additional $7 million
• Devonport High School – Bringing Forward $3.5 million
• Retirement Benefits Fund – Social and Economic Returns for Tasmanians – $200 million