The Federal Government says $173 million funding will flow to get Tasmanian projects on the go

The Federal Government has revealed which four Tasmanian infrastructure projects will benefit from a multi-million-dollar fast-tracked funding.

A traffic road sign on the Midland Highway that someone has modified to read rough uneven surface for 131 kilometres, but should read 3kms

FOUR Tasmanian infrastructure projects currently on the drawing board are due to begin sooner under fast-tracked Federal Government funding.

The Government will bring forward spending of $173 million in Tasmania as part of plans to pump $3.8 billion into the national economy by fast-tracking road and rail projects, with the states contributing additional money.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said more than $95 million of the Tasmanian package would be spent in the next 18 months.

“We’re continuing to work with the Hodgman Liberal Government to bust congestion and support jobs and the Tasmanian economy,” Mr Morrison said.

“We’ve identified projects that are shovel-ready and are getting them moving so Tasmanians can benefit from better infrastructure and the jobs and investment that come with it.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is seen with Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge and Liberal member for Boothby Nicolle Flint during a regional infrastructure announcement at the Flinders Link works site in Adelaide. Picture: AAP IMAGE/DAVID MARIUZ

Tasmanian projects that should start sooner under the fund:

BASS Highway Corridor improvements, including Marrawah to Wynyard and Cooee to Wynyard. $46.4 million to be spent from 2020-21 and over the next three financial years. Most funding was previously allocated beyond 2021-22.

HOBART to Sorell Corridor, including the Hobart Airport Interchange. $45 million to be spent immediately and over the next three financial years. Work is due to begin in early 2020.

MIDLAND Highway Upgrade, including upgrades at Spring Hill and Melton Mowbray to North of Lovely Banks. $41.9 million to be spent immediately and over the next three financial years to enable the continuation of works after the majority of funding was previously allocated beyond 2022-23.

PORT of Burnie Shiploader. $40 million to be spent immediately and over the next three years after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22 under Tranche 3 of the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation program.

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Premier Will Hodgman welcomed the funding.

“We’re accelerating Federal and State funding for important projects such as the Bass Highway and the Hobart to Sorell corridor under our plan to invest in the infrastructure our growing state needs,” Mr Hodgman said.

Labor recently lashed the Coalition on infrastructure after it was revealed during Senate estimates the bulk of the $130 million for the Hobart-Sorell project would be spent after the next federal election.