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TAS Hobart secures $1.43bn City Deal to bust congestion, boost tourism

Written by Monica Gameng | Feb 26, 2019 2:00:00 PM

Three levels of government - Federal, State and Local - are getting together to deliver projects that will bust congestion, increase tourism and help the science industries in Hobart and Tasmania with the 10-year $1.43 billion Hobart City Deal.

“Our Hobart City Deal will open the city and Tasmania up for locals and for the world.

“The $1.43 billion investment going into the Hobart City Deal is about driving investment into the city to make it an even better place to live and work, but also to drive benefits well beyond Hobart for all Tasmanians, whether in the north or the south, especially through the investment in the airport,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

The Hobart City Deal will include:

  • An international gateway - $82.3 million for border services including immigration, customs and biosecurity at Hobart International Airport

  • A hub for jobs - the Australian and State Governments will continue to work together to realise the full potential of Macquarie Point as a major scientific, tourism and cultural hub, and the Commonwealth will provide more than $450 million for the upgrade of Australia’s Antarctic research station network and supporting infrastructure as part of our ongoing efforts to back Hobart as the gateway to Antarctica

  • Busting congestion - An extra $25 million from the Australian Government and $105.5 million from the State Government for projects including the Kingston bus interchange, easing traffic congestion in the Kingston area and activating the northern suburbs transit corridor, on top of the $576 million replacement of the Bridgewater Bridge, funding for a fifth lane on the Southern Outlet and setting up a Derwent River ferry service

  • Affordable housing - Boosting the supply of community housing across the city with a $30 million investment from the Australian Government for project in partnership with community housing providers, delivering over 100 new dwellings

“The deal will make sure we get ahead of the curve on population growth, bust congestion and address housing affordability issues.

“We want to get Tasmanians home sooner and safer, so we will undertake the single largest Tasmanian transport infrastructure project - the $576 million replacement of Bridgewater Bridge,” Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said.

The Hobart City Deal is also expected to generate up to 720 additional jobs for the region.

Source: City Deals

According to Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman, this massive investment is a “game -changer” for the locals who work and live in and around Hobart.

“Through collaboration between all three level of government, the City Deal secures $1.43 billion of investment and a long term plan to help facilitate growth, create jobs and improve liveability for our State’s capital.

“The Deal creates the right conditions to protect our enviable way of life while, enhance Hobart’s natural amenity, and secure its reputation as a vibrant, liveable and connected city,” Premier Hodgman said.

This investment will also help further build up the region’s reputation as a renowned gateway to Antarctica through the development of an Antarctic and scientific precinct at Macquarie Point.

“Macquarie Point is one of the most attractive, centrally located capital city development sites in the entire country. By taking full advantage of the site’s potential we can unlock millions of dollars of investment, create hundreds of jobs and deliver a hub that will serve the community for generations to come,” Treasurer Peter Gutwein said.

What are your thoughts on this significant investment towards the development of Hobart in Tasmania? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Source: Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population; The Urban Developer; City Deals