Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has tonight handed down the 2021-22 federal budget, which is focused on recovery and growth in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Contained within are a number of measures designed to help revitalise the Tasmanian economy.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Here are the key funding commitments for Tasmania in the federal budget.
INFRASTRUCTURE
There will be a total of $322.6 million invested into infrastructure projects in Tasmania over the next eight years, with $295.1 million to fund new projects.
- The Commonwealth government will chip in $37.8 million for Midland Highway upgrades from Campbell Town to Epping Forest, $36.4 million for upgrades near Oatlands (from Jericho to south of York Plains), and $35.7 million for upgrades near Ross (Mona Vale Road to Campbell Town);
- An additional $3.5 million for pre-construction works on the Midland Highway;
- For the Bass Highway, $80 million will go towards safety and freight efficiency upgrades;
- An additional $24 million will be contributed for the Port of Burnie shiploader, for a total $64 million investment;
- $48 million for a grade-separated interchange at the Algona Road roundabout and the duplication of the Kingston Bypass from Algona Road to the Huon Highway;
- $44 million for a four-lane upgrade to the South Arm Highway; and
- $13.2 million for the Huon Link Road.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said the Tasmanian infrastructure projects funded in the budget will support more than 1000 direct and indirect jobs.
Furthermore, the government will provide $89.3 million over four years from 2021-22 to extend the eligibility of the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme assistance to eligible imported goods with no direct Australian-made equivalent at a rate of $700 per twenty-foot equivalent unit from July 1 this year.
It's said this will offer greater help to the state's agriculture, forestry, fisheries, manufacturing and mining industries.
TOURISM
Tasmania will receive $6 million to help promote the state as a winter tourism destination.
- $2 million will be for Tourism Tasmania's winter marketing campaign;
- $2.8 million for new agritourism experiences;
- $500,000 for Business Events Tasmania; and
- $582,000 for media and travel trade partners to visit the state.
The investment is part of a $13.5 million commitment through the Recovery for Regional Tourism Initiative.
VETERANS' AFFAIRS
Veteran Wellbeing Centres will be established in Tasmania and South-East Queensland, with a $10.7 million commitment over four years.
The centres will provide veterans with access to local services, including health and mental health services, community organisations, advocacy and wellbeing support.
ENERGY
A joint partnership will continue between the Australian and Tasmanian governments to deliver fee-free training and support to encourage Tasmanians to train in priority skill areas for the energy sector.
Energising Tasmania is set to receive $13.9 million from the federal government to 2022-23.
ENVIRONMENT
As was known previously, the federal government is providing $45 million over four years from 2020-21 to go towards 12 projects to minimise pollution in the Tamar River and improve its health. This is a component of the Launceston City Deal.
In 2021-22, $12.4 million will be contributed to the project, while $16.3 million will be contributed in 2022-21 and $7.6 million in 2023-24.
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Rob Inglis
Rob Inglis is a reporter with The Examiner, covering state and federal politics. He is based in Hobart.
Rob Inglis is a reporter with The Examiner, covering state and federal politics. He is based in Hobart.
