Big spend on Hobart City Deal

CUTTING congestion and boosting tourism in Hobart are part of the $1.43 billion City Deal.

The 10-year funding deal agreed between the federal, state and local governments aims to tackle bottlenecks, make the airport an international gateway and drive scientific investment.

“The $1.43 billion investment going into the Hobart City Deal is about driving investment into the city to make it an even better place to live and work,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured) said yesterday.

The money would drive benefits beyond Hobart and help all Tasmanians, especially because of the investment in the airport, he said.

The centrepiece of the funding announcement is $576 million for a replacement bridge at Bridgewater, north of the Tasmanian capital. Other investments include an upgrade of the Antarctic research station network, a bus interchange and a northern suburbs transit corridor, and funding for community housing.

The deal relied on collaboration between all three levels of government and helped the state get ahead of population growth, congestion and housing affordability, Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Minister Alan Tudge said.

“We want to get Tasmanians home sooner and safer, so we will undertake the single largest Tasmanian transport infrastructure project – the $576 million replacement of Bridgewater Bridge,” he said.

State Premier Will Hodgman said the investments would be a game-changer.

“The deal creates the right conditions to protect our enviable way of life, while enhancing Hobart’s natural amenity, and secure its reputation as a vibrant, liveable and connected city,” he said.