A Shorten Labor Government will restore the $100 million cut by the Turnbull Liberal Government from the Midland Highway upgrade, and use the funding as a down-payment to build a replacement to the outdated Bridgewater Bridge.

The new bridge will create local jobs and improve the safety and efficiency of freight and passenger movement in the state, and bring the bridge into line with current loading and design standards.

The Bridgewater Bridge is a key component of the Midland Highway, a critical freight and transport link for passengers travelling between Hobart and Launceston.

The existing Bridgewater Bridge was built in the 1940s and does not meet contemporary loading and design standards.

It is not able to consistently perform its functions as part of the National Network due to dimensional limitations and the growing likelihood of periods of closure from flooding and the need for ongoing repairs and maintenance.

Labor understands how important upgrading Tasmania’s critical infrastructure is to creating local jobs and making the state more productive and better connected. 

There has been too much talk and not enough action to replace the Bridgewater Bridge – the Liberals have had five years to get this project under way, but have done nothing.

Instead, Turnbull has cut $100 million from the Midland Highway upgrade, and you can’t trust him not to cut it again.

Turnbull and the Liberals are the most out of touch and anti-Tasmanian Government we have ever seen. In last year’s Budget alone, there was no new major infrastructure commitments for Tasmania.

Only a Shorten Labor Government will build the infrastructure Tasmania needs, including the replacement Bridgewater Bridge.  

FRIDAY, 20 APRIL 2018