The funding commitment would be made to support Tasmania’s visitor economy and to make roads safer.

Opposition Infrastructure spokesman Shane Broad said the state government had let the roads deteriorate when they could have been fixed sooner.

“For four years the Liberals squirreled away roads funding that could have been spent at the time improving roads that would be finished by now,” Mr Broad said.

“The Liberals have let roads deteriorate for four years so they could trumpet a pre-election roads blitz.”

Mr Broad said Labor is “carefully considering” priorities for their $60 million Community Roads Package.

Mr Shelton said the state government’s investment would bring more income into the East Coast region from tourism, as well as safer roads for tourists and locals alike.

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“The $72 million funding commitment will prioritise road infrastructure that directly supports growth in our booming visitor economy,’’ Mr Shelton said.

“As well, a re-elected Liberal Government will deliver a tourist driving journey in every region of Tasmania. This will build on the highly successful Great Eastern Drive, which has helped spur a 20 per cent increase in visitors to the East Coast.”

The announcement was “applauded” by Break O’Day Council.

Mayor Mick Tucker said the upgrade is overdue as this section of the Tasman Highway had been “forgotten” by previous governments.

“The section of road is long overdue for improvement and is one of the busiest sections of the Tasman Highway on the East Coast,” Cr Tucker said.

“The success of the Great Eastern Drive touring route has increased the amount of tourist traffic and it is vital that we ensure that the roads are as safe as we can make them for our visitors and local residents.”

Break O’Day Council said they will continue to pursue a strong commitment from Labor to provide funding for upgrading works.