The Australian Government has invested approximately $530 million - through the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative - towards projects that will upgrade and improve key freight corridors in Tasmania’s north-west region.
“ROSI funding will address pinch points and other impediments to freight movements across the state to improve travel times and reduce freight costs, providing a significant boost to the Tasmanian economy.
“Ultimately, these upgrades will promote growth opportunities for Tasmania’s world-famous primary producers by ensuring cost-effective access to industry and markets,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.
The more than half-a-billion dollar investment will fund the following projects:
- $130 million towards the Hobart to Sorell corridor
- $24 million to upgrade Birralee Road between Westbury and Frankford
- $25 million as additional funding for upgrades to the Murchison Highway
- $16 million to upgrade the Old Surrey Road/Massy-Greene Drive freight route
- $15 million to upgrade the Lyell Highway from Queenstown to Strahan
“The funding package will also improve safety and access for local communities. The Hobart to Sorell corridor is about ensuring locals and tourists have reliable transport and will promote more opportunities for tourism in this beautiful state.
“This is a fantastic investment for Tasmania, with the funding package designed to improve freight connectivity to Tasmania’s ports, support regional development and ensure safety for all road users,” Mr McCormack said.
The $130 million Hobart to Sorell corridor project is part of the 2019-20 Budget that was released earlier this month, while the $400 million Tasmanian Roads Package that will deliver upgrades to freight corridors in the north-west is part of the ROSI fund under the 2018-19 Budget.
In addition to the projects above, the $400 million Tasmanian Roads Package will also deliver upgrades to the Bass Highway between Marrawah and Wynyard as well as to the Murchison Highway.
“This investment forms part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s Roads of Strategic Importance initiative… ensuring the nation’s key freight roads efficiently connect agricultural and mining regions to ports, airports and other transport hubs,” Deputy Premier of Tasmania and Minister for Infrastructure Jeremy Rockliff said.
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Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Tasmanian Liberals
