The Liberal government’s lack
of progress on its promised fifth lane for Hobart’s Southern Outlet has left motorists
in gridlock and added to the long list of government infrastructure failures
and broken promises.
Shadow Treasurer David
O’Byrne said while motorists spend increasing amounts of time on the road and
away from their families, projects continue to stall as the Infrastructure
Minister dithers.
“Adding a fifth lane to the
Southern Outlet was a key infrastructure promise from the Liberals during the
2018 election campaign,” Mr O’Byrne said.
“But, as with so many other
promises from this government, there has still been no progress – more than two
years later.
“Residents south of Hobart
remain in gridlock, while the project is bounced back and forth between
consultants, with no indication that concept designs due by now have been
completed.
“This is yet another
infrastructure failure from the Minister Michael Ferguson, and another blow for
motorists waiting for relief from traffic congestion.
“Among other promised
projects contributing to traffic chaos in the south, the Hobart Airport
Roundabout has been beset by delays and cost blowouts, the Sorell Bypass is
nowhere to be seen and there’s been almost no progress on the duplication of
the Tasman Highway between Sorell and Hobart. And, of course, the Bridgewater
Bridge is still no closer to reality.
“This lack of action
underlines concerns about the Liberals’ COVID-19 infrastructure package. How
are they going to build their way out of the pandemic and create much-needed
jobs with their demonstrated inability to build anything?
“Labor’s COVID-19 Recovery Package contains a plan to progress infrastructure and create jobs. I urge the Minister to consider our proposals so we can get Tasmanians back into jobs, help those hardest-hit by the pandemic and create a better and fairer economy and society.”
David O’Byrne
Shadow Treasurer
