The Tasmanian Government has released a comprehensive study of the infrastructure needs of the state’s West Coast, which the it says will be used to inform Government priorities for upgrades in the region.

 

State Minister for Infrastructure, David O’Byrne, said the Western Tasmanian Infrastructure Strategy has identified transport as the key investment target in the area.

 

"Through the mining, tourism, forestry and aquaculture sectors, we're seeing a diverse range of industries that make a significant contribution to our economy," Mr O’Byrne said.

 

"This study has found that the best way to deliver further economic benefits to the region would be through targeted upgrades of both road and rail that will also benefit local communities."

 

Mr O'Byrne said the study from Sinclair Knight Merz involved  consultation with local infrastructure users, and organisations that provide and manage the infrastructure in the region, with a focus on infrastructure for transport, energy, telecommunications and water over the next two decades.

 

The report's recommended project priorities focus on road and rail infrastructure upgrades:

  • Murchison Highway, Zeehan Highway to Rosebery;
  • Murchison Highway, Rosebery to Anthony Main Road;
  • Murchison Highway, Anthony Main Road to Cradle Mountain Development Road;
  • Pieman Road - upgrade to High Productivity Vehicle (HPV) standards;
  • Zeehan Highway, Anthony Main Road to Murchison Highway; and
  • The Melba Line - upgrades to increase axle limit, reliability and efficiency.

 

"Through the Commonwealth's Nation Building 2 program, we're progressing a submission for upgrades to the Murchison Highway from Anthony Main Road to Cradle Mountain Development Road as well as upgrades to the Melba Line," Mr O'Byrne said.

 

The Western Tasmania Industry Infrastructure Study is available on the DIER website at:

http://www.dier.tas.gov.au/plans_and_strategy/western_tasmania_industry_infrastructure_study