Bell tolls for Liberals’ infrastructure strategy

Tasmanian Labor
  • 30 year infrastructure fails on almost every measure
  • In less than 24 hours, Ferguson has already junked key parts of the strategy
  • Buzzwords no replacement for action
  • After four delays and almost a year overdue, the Liberals 30 year infrastructure strategy was released with little publicity or fanfare yesterday.

    In Question Time today, the day after he announced his strategy, Michael Ferguson attempted to distance himself from the strategy’s endorsement of privatisation and toll roads.

    Shadow Infrastructure Minister Shane Broad said the Liberals were embarrassed by the strategy.

    “Michael Ferguson’s 30 year infrastructure strategy appears to be a cruel hoax,” Dr Broad said.

    “There has been no consultation and there are no projects, no recommendations and no development timelines.

    “The Liberals’ strategy is a collection of consultant buzzwords, and has already been ridiculed by the RACT.

    “The strategy clearly entertains the introduction of user charges, or toll roads, and asset sales as ways to pay for infrastructure but Michael Ferguson was forced to ruled out both of those measures today.

    “Less than 24 hours after Michael Ferguson announced it in Parliament, his own strategy has already been pulped.

    “Tasmanians deserve a long term vision for Tasmania’s roads, public transport, hospitals, schools, irrigation, community facilities and other infrastructure, with a Government that backs it up with action.

    “Unfortunately Michael Ferguson’s 30 year infrastructure is a complete waste of everyone’s time.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.