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The Minister for Infrastructure, Graeme Sturges, today spoke to the annual state conference of The Australian Workers Union about Tasmania’s infrastructure developments.
“In terms of economic development, Tasmania has seen something of a sea change in the past decade with a Labor Government,” Mr Sturges said.
“We have gone from the essentially ad hoc approach of the Liberals to a strategic approach designed to achieve the best cost-effective outcomes for the taxpayers’ dollars.
“Developing and maintaining major infrastructure such as roads, bridges, rail and energy networks is expensive. And because it’s with us for a long time, we need to get it right.
“Over the past 10 years, the Tasmanian Government has developed a transport strategy that delivers a safe, efficient and equitable transport system for Tasmania.
“There has probably never been a time when so much major infrastructure development is either being planned or under way. The scale and complexity of this undertaking is unprecedented.
“We are creating the infrastructure needed to ensure that we maintain a strong and growing economy so that we remain competitive on the national and international stage.
“There are certainly some formidable challenges in the years ahead – including a steadily growing freight task and the continued expansion of industry and tourism – all of which are placing pressure on Tasmania’s transport network and infrastructure assets.
“The national freight task is forecast to double by 2020 with trends for Tasmania indicating even higher growth over the same period.
“Recently, I joined the Mayor of Brighton to announce the preferred site for the vital $79 million Brighton Transport Hub facility.
“Closely related are the Brighton Bypass, the refurbishment of the Bridgewater Bridge and the upgrade of the Midland/Lyell Highways junction.
“While we will be faced by many challenges in delivering such a large program of work, there are many opportunities as well.”
Mr Sturges said that the State Government was committed to developing business in Tasmania.
“We have an open and transparent procurement system in place, which encourages Tasmanian companies to tender for key infrastructure projects.
“We are also working hard with all our stakeholders to ensure that our rail network is maintained as a viable alternative to road transport in the carriage of freight.”
Mr Sturges said that the Government was committed to working with a new above-rail operator for a viable rail system in Tasmania.
“The aim of the $122 million rail rescue package – jointly funded by the Tasmanian and Australian Government – is to upgrade the track across the rail network.
“The Australian Government has also allocated further funding for rail upgrade projects in Tasmania, totalling another $130 million.
“The Tasmanian Government is committed to upholding the principles of Occupational Health and Safety for all workers and our contractors to ensure work is undertaken safely while also producing the best outcomes.
“To this end, we have established a position within my Department to ensure that work on roads and other State infrastructure is carried out in accordance with the best OH&S principles and practice.
“I look forward to the major contribution which infrastructure projects such as those I have mentioned are making and will continue to make to Tasmania’s continuing prosperity.
“I am delighted to be Tasmania’s Minister for Infrastructure at such an exciting and crucial time in the development of these major infrastructure projects,” Mr Sturges said.
“In terms of economic development, Tasmania has seen something of a sea change in the past decade with a Labor Government,” Mr Sturges said.
“We have gone from the essentially ad hoc approach of the Liberals to a strategic approach designed to achieve the best cost-effective outcomes for the taxpayers’ dollars.
“Developing and maintaining major infrastructure such as roads, bridges, rail and energy networks is expensive. And because it’s with us for a long time, we need to get it right.
“Over the past 10 years, the Tasmanian Government has developed a transport strategy that delivers a safe, efficient and equitable transport system for Tasmania.
“There has probably never been a time when so much major infrastructure development is either being planned or under way. The scale and complexity of this undertaking is unprecedented.
“We are creating the infrastructure needed to ensure that we maintain a strong and growing economy so that we remain competitive on the national and international stage.
“There are certainly some formidable challenges in the years ahead – including a steadily growing freight task and the continued expansion of industry and tourism – all of which are placing pressure on Tasmania’s transport network and infrastructure assets.
“The national freight task is forecast to double by 2020 with trends for Tasmania indicating even higher growth over the same period.
“Recently, I joined the Mayor of Brighton to announce the preferred site for the vital $79 million Brighton Transport Hub facility.
“Closely related are the Brighton Bypass, the refurbishment of the Bridgewater Bridge and the upgrade of the Midland/Lyell Highways junction.
“While we will be faced by many challenges in delivering such a large program of work, there are many opportunities as well.”
Mr Sturges said that the State Government was committed to developing business in Tasmania.
“We have an open and transparent procurement system in place, which encourages Tasmanian companies to tender for key infrastructure projects.
“We are also working hard with all our stakeholders to ensure that our rail network is maintained as a viable alternative to road transport in the carriage of freight.”
Mr Sturges said that the Government was committed to working with a new above-rail operator for a viable rail system in Tasmania.
“The aim of the $122 million rail rescue package – jointly funded by the Tasmanian and Australian Government – is to upgrade the track across the rail network.
“The Australian Government has also allocated further funding for rail upgrade projects in Tasmania, totalling another $130 million.
“The Tasmanian Government is committed to upholding the principles of Occupational Health and Safety for all workers and our contractors to ensure work is undertaken safely while also producing the best outcomes.
“To this end, we have established a position within my Department to ensure that work on roads and other State infrastructure is carried out in accordance with the best OH&S principles and practice.
“I look forward to the major contribution which infrastructure projects such as those I have mentioned are making and will continue to make to Tasmania’s continuing prosperity.
“I am delighted to be Tasmania’s Minister for Infrastructure at such an exciting and crucial time in the development of these major infrastructure projects,” Mr Sturges said.
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