Derwent ferry service will keep on sailing

THE Bellerive-to-Hobart ferry will become a permanent service after winning four years of funding as part of record infrastructure investment in the state budget.

The state government will embark on a massive $5.6bn infrastructure spend over four years, with roads and bridges to account for more than half of expenditure in 2022-23.

The ferry has been provided with $19m across a four-year period after a year-long trial, with Treasurer Michael Ferguson describing it as an “exciting new service”.

“The government delivered a trial of our new Bellerive-Hobart ferry last year and it has proven a great success with around 600 passengers a day using the service during the summer period,” Mr Ferguson said.

Mornington cyclist James Klousia said he had been using the ferry two to three times a week to get to work and was pleased the service would continue.

“It’s a brilliant announcement … it’s free if you bring a bike but I’d even be happy to pay some money for it,” Mr Klousia said.

“It’s about two litres of diesel to get into the city and back so it’s well worth it.”

The long-awaited construction of the Bridgewater Bridge was finally set to start this year, with the project to receive $251m in this year’s budget after clearing the “final hurdle” in planning approvals, Mr Ferguson said.

The bridge will receive the lion’s share of $2.7bn in spending on all roads and bridges, with other major projects across the forward estimates including: $166m to continue works on the Greater Hobart Traffic Solution, which is now due for completion a year ahead of schedule in 2026.

$112m for ongoing improvements to the Midland Highway.

$60m to continue implementing the Launceston and Tamar Valley Traffic Vision.

$22m for the Channel Highway bypass of Huonville.

$17m for new park-and-ride facilities “to give commuters choice and reduce congestion”.

Six new child and family learning centres headline $90.8m in spending on schools, education and skills infrastructure, with the new K-12 Sorell School to receive $10m.

The new Brighton High School ($8m) and K-12 Penguin School ($5m) will also receive funding.

Aspiring plumbers and electricians will get a boost with an $11.7m investment in the water and energy trade centres of excellence, while TasTAFE facility upgrades and the Transition Fund will receive $9.5m.