STATE BUDGET: $1.8bn infrastructure spend

Treasurer Peter Gutwein says the government will spend a total of $1.8 billion over the next four years on job-creating infrastructure.

The government will commit $60 million to a Northern Cities Major Development Initiative, which will take effect from 2016-17.

In the interim, the Launceston-based co-ordinator general’s office will be given an additional $2.8 million to help plan major projects and attract new investment.

Mr Gutwein said the government was committed to helping the construction industry in particular.

“The very clear message from this government to those Tasmanians in the construction industry who left the state because of a lack of work is that Tasmania is now back in business,” he said.

“We are building roads, dams, hospitals, schools and better cities.

“So, if you wear a high-vis vest and are currently working interstate or overseas, hear this message: there is work for you in Tasmania, and we want you back.”

The state budget is now expected to return to surplus in 2016-17, largely on the back of much healthier than expected revenue, including $344 million next financial year.

The budget includes:

• $130 million for capital investment across the North and North West
• A $60 million Northern Cities Major Development Initiative, to help pay for projects like the University of Tasmania’s campus relocation
• $25.5 million for Northen high schools infrastructure
• $17.7 million for the Learning in Families Together literacy and numeracy program
• $2.8 million extra for the Office of the Coordinator General
• $100 million to boost frontline health services through the new Tasmanian Health Service
• $2.4 million over four years for Child and Mental Health Services statewide
• $5 million for the new police boat, expected to be on the water in 2017
• $16 million set aside for tackling family violence
• $4 million for biosecurity services, including new sniffer dogs