Fed’s road cash splash

THE Federal government will fast-track $173 million in infrastructure spending in Tasmania as part of a $3.8 billion boost for the national economy.

The cash includes $45 million to be spent upgrading the Hobart to Sorell road corridor to ease the strain on local commuters and $41 million for the Midland Highway, $46 million for the Bass Highway and $40 million for the Port of Burnie shiploader.

FOUR Tasmanian infrastructure projects currently on the drawing board are due to begin sooner under fast-tracked Federal Government funding.

The Government will bring forward spending of $173 million in Tasmania as part of plans to pump $3.8 billion into the national economy by fasttracking road and rail projects, with the states contributing additional money.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said more than $95 million of the Tasmanian package would be spent in the next 18 months.

“We’re continuing to work with the Hodgman Liberal Government to bust congestion and support jobs and the

Tasmanian economy,” Mr Morrison said.

“We’ve identified projects that are shovel-ready and are getting them moving so Tasmanians can benefit from better infrastructure and the jobs and investment that come with it.”

Tasmanian projects that should start sooner under the fund:

BASS Highway Corridor improvements, including Marrawah to Wynyard and Cooee to Wynyard. $46.4 million to be spent from 2020-21 and over the next three financial years. Most funding was previously allocated beyond 2021-22.

HOBART to Sorell Corridor, including the Hobart Airport Interchange. $45 million to be spent immediately and over the next three financial years.

Work is due to begin in early 2020.

MIDLAND Highway Upgrade, including upgrades at Spring Hill and Melton Mowbray to North of Lovely Banks. $41.9 million to be spent immediately and over the next three financial years to enable the continuation of works after the majority of funding was previously allocated beyond 2022-23.

PORT of Burnie Shiploader. $40 million to be spent immediately and over the next three years after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22 under Tranche 3 of the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation program.