Launceston’s Charles Street Bridge will be completely replaced as part of a $115 million Northern development package if Labor wins majority government.
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The plan, which will be revealed by Opposition Leader Rebecca White on Sunday, is largely focused on health and road infrastructure, with a vision to “transform and confirm” Launceston as one of the world’s great regional cities.
Ms White said the package would feature a “strong focus on the city’s future liveability”.
“A key commitment will be to fully fund the replacement of the Charles Street Bridge and fund associated traffic works in the first term of a majority Labor government,” she said.
“We know the Charles Street Bridge is the biggest traffic bottleneck in Launceston and the problem will only get worse with the exciting developments taking place in Inveresk.
“Labor’s commitment will be to address critical traffic needs immediately.”
The Liberals revealed their plan to ease traffic congestion in Launceston earlier this month, which included extending capacity of the Charles Street Bridge.
Ms White said Labor’s plan for the North was also heavily focused on health.
“Labor’s $560 million better health plan will take the pressure off of the Launceston General Hospital emergency department, it will employ more doctors and nurses and paramedics and other health professionals.
“We will allocated significant funding from the plan specifically for health infrastructure for Launceston and the LGH.
“We will produce a new masterplan for the hospital, creating the Launceston health precinct for the surrounding area.”
Ms White said the Northern package would include planning for future hospital expansion, integration between hospital and clinics, better car parking, and better integration with public transport.
“We want Launceston to drive economic activity in the surrounding region and we will do this by maximising the opportunities of the City Deal and building critical infrastructure.”
Ms White said the vision was to “transform Launceston into a global city”.
“One of the country’s smartest cities – and finally capitalise on its reputation for innovation, resourcefulness and entrepreneurship.
“We want Launceston to drive economic activity in the surrounding region and we will do this by maximising the opportunities of the City Deal and building critical infrastructure.”
Ms White will release Labor’s entire Northern development package in Launceston on Sunday.
