PRIME Minister Tony Abbott has returned to Tasmania with his cheque book, this time with an expected increased offer in federal funding once earmarked for Cadbury.
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Mr Abbott will on Saturday attend the Liberal Party State Council, where it’s expected he will unveil plans for the $16million which had been set aside for Cadbury’s redevelopment.
It is understood the federal and state Liberals have reached an agreement on the funds, which will be a larger pool of money and splashed across the state for job-creating grants.
The funds were initially offered up as a sweetener for the South of the state at the last federal election, but the chocolate company withdrew its application for the development earlier this year.
Mr Abbott’s increased offer comes on top of $800million already handed out for the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme, Midland Highway upgrade, irrigation schemes and Hobart Airport runway extension, as the Coalition attempts to shore up essential marginal seats in Tasmania.
Premier Will Hodgman was giving no details away, but said it was important to see the money well spent.
‘‘What we’ve got to do with it is make sure it’s well spent, directed to our competitive strengths, creating more jobs and seeing Tasmania’s economy continue in the same direction it is, and that’s up,’’ Mr Hodgman said.
Party faithful will gather at the Wrest Point Casino to hear a keynote address from Mr Abbott, as well as debate a range of motions, such as abolishing stamp duty and enabling pensioners to use public transport for free.
Reviewing the Hare-Clarke electoral system is again on the agenda, as well as the mandatory registration of cyclists and an all-in-all-out system for the Legislative Council.