City deal for Hobart in the pipeline
Alan Tudge and Michael Ferguson say South should be cheering from the rooftops
IN February the Prime Minister, Premier and local mayors signed a commitment to Hobart in a landmark deal.
Designed by three levels of government, the Hobart City Deal will secure the fast growing tourism and science industries that are key to Hobart and Tasmania’s future.
Seven months later, we can show the people of Hobart just how this design will be turned into results. The 10-year, $1.6 billion deal will unlock the city — tackling congestion, boosting tourism; and making the airport a true international gateway, which will drive scientific investment and create an extra 720 jobs.
Today’s release of the Implementation Plan sets out the next three years as the City Deal is realised. It will take Hobart from a great city to an unbeatable one. Importantly, it makes sure all city deal partners are accountable — it’s making sure we put our money where our mouth is.
We know what needs to be done to make this plan a reality, and the focus will be on key areas, backed with tangible actions to make sure we hit our marks.
Tasmania’s tourism industry supports 42,000 jobs. That number will be boosted with a direct gateway for global visitors and freight to be completed next year, with the start of international flights at Hobart Airport.
The business case for an Antarctic and science precinct will kick off before the end of this year. This will cement Hobart’s position as the gateway to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean including through establishing an Antarctic and science precinct.
As will the arrival of Australia’s new Antarctic icebreaker, RSV Nuyina, due in Hobart next year. It will be the main lifeline to Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations and the central platform of our Antarctic and Southern Ocean scientific research.
More than $890 million in investment, including construction of a new Bridgewater Bridge, jointly funded by the Australian Government ($461 million contribution) and Tasmanian Government ($115 million), will bust congestion and encourage public transport.
Part of the Greater Hobart Transport Vision, design of upgrades to Macquarie and Davey streets will start this year, with construction starting as soon as possible. Similar timelines are in place for the Kingston congestion package.
Investment in affordable housing and improved planning is a focus of the deal and is of rising importance to the people of Hobart.
Building a more diverse, affordable and inclusive housing mix is under way with the signing of contracts to build at least 100 new dwellings. The Australia Government committed $30 million to construction which will be complete in 2021.
This is complemented by the Central Hobart Precinct Plan to be completed in 2021. The focus area includes 64 blocks between Davey St, Burnett St, Brooker Highway, Molle and Harrington streets.
Activating the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor with a $25 million boost from the Morrison Government has been a long time coming.
We will have completed an options analysis on the most effective transport solution by the end of the year. Work will get under way on a project plan to deliver infrastructure.
A lot of groundwork on City Deal projects is complete and this plan is a blueprint on how we will continue to build on Hobart as a vibrant, liveable, investment-ready city
One achievement being implemented is the Greater Hobart Act. The Act and has passed Tasmanian Parliament, providing an enduring framework for strategic and integrated planning.
Like Launceston, where we are well aware of the impacts of the city deal, Hobart will soon be thriving. In Hobart, and across southern Tasmania, there is plenty to be excited about.
Much of it thanks to the game-changer that is the Hobart City Deal. This deal is due to the work of the Morrison and Hodgman governments, and we look forward to delivering for the greater Hobart region in partnership with local government. Check our plan at citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au /hobart