THE DEAL IS DONE

It’s taken 878 days but finally...

HOBART’S City Deal will finally be signed on Sunday when the Prime Minister spends his second weekend in a row in Tasmania.

The Deal — first promised on September 29, 2016 — will include cash to combat traffic congestion and a $30 million affordable housing package.

HOBART’S City Deal will be signed on Sunday.

A $30 million affordable housing package to help ease Hobart’s housing crisis will be announced today as the first element of the deal.

The Mercury understands a congestion-busting package will be revealed tomorrow by Cities Minister Alan Tudge before Prime Minister Scott Morrison flies in Sunday to sign the deal with Premier Will Hodgman.

The final deal has not yet been made public but the key elements floated to date include $460 million for the Bridgewater bridge, the $400 million University of Tasmania STEM centre, a light rail system and modern public transport as well as redevelopment of Macquarie Point.

The final announcement has been delayed by the state’s bushfire crisis.

The $30 million housing package will pay for more than 100 new social housing dwellings across greater Hobart.

Mr Tudge said the investment would deliver an increase in housing supply, sharply focused on supporting Tasmanians in need.

“Through the City Deal, all three levels of government are working together to look after low-income families, people escaping domestic and family violence, older people and people living with disability,” he said.

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch said the investment built on work already under way through the State Government’s Affordable Housing Strategy.

“This boost will provide more support for Tasmanians in need,” he said. “It complements the largest-ever State Government investment of $200 million over eight years, to address demand across the entire housing spectrum.”

Senator Eric Abetz said the money was a welcome boost for Tasmanian families.

“This will give Tasmanians, particularly those living in lowincome households, the opportunity to buy or rent dwellings where they can enjoy access to employment opportunities, local community amenities and efficient transport links to the rest of the city,” he said.

“In addition to helping to relieve housing affordability pressures, this important investment will also help to create more jobs during the construction of these homes.”

The funding is guaranteed no matter which party wins the upcoming federal election.