$130m planned upgrade to Tasman Bridge could be scrapped following federal review

The first major upgrade to the Tasman Bridge in almost 50 years could be scrapped, with the federal government unable to rule out whether it would be spared. Find out which other projects are in doubt.

Designs for the upgrade of the Tasman Bridge, released by the state government. Picture: Supplied

The federal government has not ruled out scrapping its $65m funding commitment for major upgrades to the Tasman Bridge, following an extensive review into the nation’s infrastructure pipeline.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King has said an estimated $33bn cost blowout forced Labor to undertake a thorough audit of the Infrastructure Investment Program.

It means funding for certain projects in Australia’s $120 billion pipeline of works is set to be axed or pushed back.

The review, which commenced in May, comes against a backdrop of labour shortages and rising construction material costs.

Artist’s impressions of the planned $130 million upgrade to the Tasman Bridge. Picture: Supplied

A report has been handed to the minister but is yet to be publicly released as the government considers the findings and consults state and territory governments before making any decisions.

Planned improvements for the Tasman Bridge under the proposed upgrade – for which the state government is also contributing $65 million – include new and wider pathways on both sides of the bridge for cyclists and pedestrians, higher safety barriers, and upgraded security lighting.

Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown told ABC Radio last week that projects under review included all that were not Labor election commitments and those that had not already been contracted.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA, NewsWire Photos. NOVEMBER 6, 2023: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Catherine King. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

She could not say whether federal funding for the $130 million upgrade to the bridge would be withdrawn.

“Having said that, we are committed to the [Hobart] City Deal so elements that are in the City Deal, as I understand it, are not part of the review,” she said.

Senator Brown continued by saying, “I really don’t think that you would be expecting me now to rule matters in and out”.

Tasmanian Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam has raised concerns that projects such as the bridge upgrade, the duplication of the Kingston bypass, and the South Arm Highway upgrade could be on the chopping block.

“Any Tasmanian who transits these roads and bridges knows that they are in desperate need of an upgrade, which the Coalition government recognised and appropriately funded,” he said.

State Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said “any reduction in the Australian government’s infrastructure commitments, particularly in Tasmania, will be unwelcome news for the civil construction sector in Tasmania”.

Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson and Senator Jonathon Duniam. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

He said the delay or scrapping of any federal funding for Tasmanian road, bridge or freight rail projects would “obviously have a negative effect on civil construction sector jobs and our economy more broadly”.

A spokeswoman for Ms King said the review of the Infrastructure Investment Program “highlights how badly the Liberals and Nationals mismanaged and rorted infrastructure and misled the public”.

“The minister is consulting closely with her state and territory counterparts regarding the review and a government response to the recommendations will be announced in due course,” she said.

TASSIE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS POTENTIALLY IN THE FIRING LINE:

• Duplication of Midway Point and Sorell causeways (Total cost: $187 million; Federal contribution: $150 million)

• Rokeby Rd – South Arm Rd upgrades (Total cost: $55 million; Federal contribution: $44 million)

• Tasman Bridge upgrades (Total cost: $130 million; Federal contribution: $65 million)

• Bass Hwy upgrades, Deloraine to Devonport (Total cost: $50 million; Federal contribution: $40 million)

• Algona Rd roundabout upgrade and duplication of Kingston Bypass (Total cost: $60 million; Federal contribution: $48 million)