Health was a clear priority for the North in this year's Tasmanian Budget.
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A co-located private hospital bid by Calvary will be supported by the state government, which was announced by Treasurer Peter Gutwein.
In addition, the Launceston General Hospital is slated for a $42.2 million upgrade.
Paediatric ward 4K was also funded in the budget, which is in the process of receiving a $6.6 million facelift and expansion. The expansion will include eight new beds.
Improvements to the Charles Street bridge, the Mowbray Connector and planning for a new Tamar Bridge crossing was all announced and funded in the budget.
WINNERS
- Hospital patients. Launceston General Hospital will get a boost with the announcement that the government will support Calvary's bid for a co-located hospital, a $42.2 million upgrade of the LGH and $6.6 million for the redevelopment and expansion of paediatric ward 4K.
- Drivers. The Launceston and Tamar Valley traffic vision, including the Charles St bridge and the Mowbray interconnector has been allocated $53 million.
- Sports fans. Cricket, netball and tennis fans will get a boost in Northern Tasmania. The budget has funded $200,000 to secure two Big Bash League games in Launceston; $2 million over two years for a Northern Tasmania Tennis Centre and $80,000 to upgrades to the Hobler's Bridge Netball Centre.
LOSERS
- No clear losers for the North.
SURPRISES
- Support for the co-located hospital was somewhat of a surprise but not totally unexpected.