Show me money: RACT

THE RACT is looking for concrete detail in next week’s Budget on State Government promises to fix Hobart traffic congestion and to replace the Bridgewater Bridge.

Executive general manager Membership and Community Stacey Pennicott said the motoring organisation was looking for election promises to be funded.

“While we welcome an- nouncements about consultation for a fifth lane on the Southern Outlet and support a study into a Derwent River ferry service, it is time to develop and implement a workable strategy,” she said.

“The only way to do this is to ensure there is funding available within appropriate time frames.

Ms Pennicott said the Government needed to address Hobart’s congestion issues through the implementation of a Greater Hobart 10-Year Plan funded via the pending Tasmanian budget.

“For a city with a population of 300,000 the level of traffic congestion in Hobart was unacceptable,” she said.

“A steady growth in visitor numbers means the issue will just get worse unless an appropriate plan is developed and funded as soon as practical.”

Ms Pennicott said any delay in replacement of the Bridgewater Bridge would allow a continued bottleneck in the Hobart to Launceston road network.

“Replacing the bridge is even more critical when you consider the significant work that has been done on or is planned for the Midland Highway,” she said.

The replacement cost of the Bridgewater bridge replacement is $576 million.

The State Government promised $46 million during the election campaign but then lifted the amount to $115 million after the Federal Government announced funding of $461 million.

“The Tasmanian Government has promised $115 million, but funding timing is critical,” Ms Pennicott said.

A Senate Estimates hearing recently heard that the Federal Government would provide $100 million in funding over the next four years with $5 million in 2018-19, $25 million in 2019-20, $30 million in 2020-21 and $40 million in 2021-22.

The RACT’s budget submission also sought detail on:

SAFETY upgrades for the Bass Highway between Latrobe and Deloraine and Wynyard to Marrawah.

INVESTMENT in Tasmanian tourist roads including Hastings Cave Rd, Arthur Highway at Eaglehawk Neck and roads on Bruny Island.

ROAD safety upgrades on the West Tamar Highway.