Senator Eric Abetz

Tasmania’s rail network has today been “failed” by Engineers Australia, making it even more shameful that not a single cent of the budget’s $1billion-plus investment in rail across the nation came to Tasmania, the Tasmanian Liberal Senate Team said today.

In addition, the report highlights the fact that Tasmania’s national roads – such as the Midland Highway – have deteriorated due to increased freight usage, and the pavement exceeding its design life, and that any recent investment has been “catch-up” only.

“This damning report by Engineers Australia highlights the shameful nature of Tasmania’s road and rail network under Labor”, spokesman for the team, Senator Eric Abetz, said today.

“It also highlights the complete inadequacy of Tasmania’s Labor members of parliament in being able to secure much-needed infrastructure funding for Tasmania.

“We know that the Federal Labor members didn’t ask for any funding for infrastructure from the budget because they have said so, and State Labor continue to stubbornly turn a blind eye to the clear need to upgrade the Midland Highway.

“The Liberals have a clear plan to upgrade transport infrastructure in Tasmania, including $400 million to duplicate the Midland Highway.

“While Labor continues to ignore and road and rail, it is clear that the only way to get real action on Tasmania’s infrastructure is to vote Liberal.”