Budget backs Northern Tasmania with major health, road and school investments
Treasurer Eric Abetz has delivered a responsible first full Budget at an important time for Tasmania. There is broad recognition that this is a period where governments must focus on careful budget repair following the enormous impacts of COVID, global trade and tariff disruptions, and the very significant costs associated with the Commission of Inquiry. Tasmanians expect governments to spend carefully, but they also expect us to keep investing in the roads, hospitals and schools our communities rely on.
This Budget backs Northern Tasmania with practical investments that will make a real difference for local families.
Healthcare investment in Northern Tasmania remains a major focus. The redevelopment of the Launceston General Hospital continues, with more than $363 million committed toward the project, including the Mental Health Precinct and Northern Health Complex. These projects mean better facilities and more services for Northern Tasmanians closer to home.
The Budget also includes important initiatives aimed at improving access to everyday healthcare through local pharmacies. We are broadening the role community pharmacists can play and supporting extended pharmacy trading hours into evenings and weekends. That means families can get help sooner and closer to home, while easing pressure on GP clinics and emergency departments.
The Budget also continues major investment in Northern Tasmania’s transport network, particularly along the East and West Tamar Highway corridors. The East Tamar Highway is one of Northern Tasmania’s most important freight and transport routes, including as the main heavy vehicle connection to Bell Bay, Tasmania’s third largest port. Planned works focus on increasing road capacity, improving safety and freight access, supporting active and public transport, and upgrading road surfaces.
The West Tamar Corridor Improvement Plan will deliver further upgrades along one of the region’s busiest roads. Projects include two additional lanes between Freshwater Point Road and Acropolis Drive at Legana, improved pedestrian safety in Exeter, and road and active transport improvements through Riverside. These upgrades are badly needed and will help traffic move more safely and efficiently as communities along the Tamar continue to grow.
Importantly, Budget Paper No. 1, page 180, confirms the Tamar Bridge remains an active project proposal, based on an 80 per cent Australian Government contribution and a 20 per cent Tasmanian Government contribution of $136 million. I have championed this bridge proposal at every stage because Northern Tasmania needs long-term transport resilience and better connectivity across the Tamar.
The business case has now been before the Australian Government for more than two years. Northern Tasmania deserves an answer, and now is the time for the Commonwealth to respond.
The Budget also includes continued investment in schools across Bass through the School Building Blitz and broader education infrastructure program. Projects include upgrades and improvements at Port Dalrymple School, South George Town Primary School, Mowbray Heights Primary School and Ringarooma Primary School. Students and teachers deserve schools that are modern, functional and fit for purpose.
This Budget continues to invest in the infrastructure and services Northern Tasmania needs as our communities continue to grow.
