Feds keep $461m bridge dream alive
THE Federal Government has reaffirmed a multimillion-dollar commitment to the new Bridgewater Bridge despite the project being left off the government-funded Infrastructure Australia priority projects list.
The nation’s independent infrastructure adviser will today update its nationally significant projects, including the addition of University of Tasmania’s $300 million proposal to build new campuses in Burnie and Launceston on the priority list.
The bridge business case was assessed but Infrastructure Australia determined it did not warrant priority project status as it did not demonstrate its benefits would outweigh costs.
“The business case also identifies a number of unresolved engineering issues that could add further costs to the project, including design issues and future maintenance requirements for the existing bridge,” Infrastructure Australia chief executive Romilly Madew said. “We would welcome a revised proposal for a less expensive solution that better matches the project’s expected benefits.”
She said Infrastructure Australia recognised the strategic importance of crossing capacity over the River Derwent, which is why it retained its status as a priority initiative.
The Federal Government has committed $461 million to the project, with this year’s state budget locking in the Tasmanian Government’s $115 million share of the funding.
Deputy Prime Minister and federal Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said the bridge was a vital link and a central pillar of the Hobart City Deal.
“It will enable motorists to maintain highway speeds across its length, improving safety, productivity and amenity for the motoring public,” he said.
Acting Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the project was being delivered after years of talk.
Ms Madew praised the UTAS Northern Transformation Program for relocating its Launceston and Burnie campuses to new inner-city locations with modern, worldclass teaching and research facilities. “Being included as a priority project … shows that a proposal has undergone a rigorous business case assessment and has been proven to have significant benefits for the community,” she said.