North West omissions in COVID infrastructure package
little in the package to provide short term stimulus for the coast
Gutwein and Braddon Members must do more
It
is disappointing that some key North West projects identified by Labor have
been excluded from Peter Gutwein’s COVID infrastructure package.
Labor Member for
Braddon, Anita Dow, said there was very little in yesterday’s announcement that
would provide short term stimulus for the North West and West Coast.
“The North West has
been hardest hit by COVID-19 and businesses and the community are doing it
really tough and will continue to for some time,” Ms Dow said.
“While it was
pleasing to see some local projects being fast-tracked, including the long
awaited coastal pathway project between Cooee and Wynyard, some important
infrastructure investments like upgrades to the Burnie Port, were overlooked.
“Labor has been
calling on the Government to invest in the port as it is a major strategic
infrastructure project that would deliver benefit right now to key industries,
but also support future economic development across the North West coast and
the rest of the state.
“We’d like to see investment
in the masterplan and dredging that would allow passage for bigger ships to get
more product off the island quicker and to market.
“Those upgrades
would also allow concurrent access to the port for forest and minerals
companies, at the same time as facilitating access for cruise ships.”
Ms Dow said the
stimulus package also had no mention of the Cradle Mountain redevelopment or
progressing the Next Iconic Walk on the West Coast.
“Both of these
projects will create much needed regional jobs and give the local community and
tourism industry certainty for the future,” Ms Dow said.
“Cradle Mountain is
one of our premier tourism attractions and the revitalisation of the Cradle
Mountain visitor experience and investment in this iconic site is absolutely
critical for the growth of our regional economy.”
Ms Dow said funding being
brought forward for the Circular Head Bass Highway upgrades was long overdue
and would be welcomed by the community and industry.
“I am hoping Peter Gutwein and his Braddon members take a good look over the package announced yesterday and move fast to fix these glaring omissions to prevent further job losses and business closures on the North West coast.”
Anita Dow MP
Labor Member for Braddon
