The Federal Government’s 2024-25 Budget has allocated more than $219 million to a roads package for Tasmania.
This will fund over $124 million for new projects, including:
- Lyell Highway – Granton to New Norfolk
- Huon Highway Corridor upgrades
- Planning along the Devonport to Cradle Mountain and Arthur Highway Corridors
The government is also committing $95 million to ensure the following existing projects can be delivered:
- Mornington Roundabout Upgrade
- Midland Highway – Campbell Town North (Campbell Town to Epping Forest)
- Algona Road Grade Separated Interchange and Duplication of the Kingston Bypass
The Lyell Highway upgrade will boost safety and reliability of travel times along narrow sections of the highway. This will improve access to tourism hotspots and vital community facilities in New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley.
The Mornington Roundabout is a key pinch point causing congestion and safety concerns. This investment is set to ensure the necessary upgrades for improved driveability and traffic flow.
The planning projects along key Tasmanian corridors will lay the groundwork for a pipeline of future investments that are properly scoped, designed and costed.
The Federal Government said that it is working closely with the Tasmanian Government on priority projects for the benefit of the community.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said that when residents and visitors move around Tasmania, they move around by road, but after a decade of neglect, many of Tasmania’s roads are not fit for purpose.
“Last year Tasmania lost more than 30 people on the roads, with more than 300 critically injured. That’s not good enough,” Mr Albanese said.
“This investment in our Budget is about getting Tasmania moving safely – to allow people to spend less time on the road and more time with their loved ones.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that the government is working for all Australians to deliver significant infrastructure that connects communities, stimulates jobs and builds the future of the nation.
“The hard work we undertook to clean up the mess in the infrastructure pipeline means there is room to deal with ongoing cost pressures and plan for future projects,” Ms King said.
“I thank the Tasmanian Government for working closely with us to ensure the delivery of these projects.”
Image: Sandra Johnstone/shuttestock.com
