In this Budget, the Rudd Labor Government is investing $156 million in Tasmania's road and rail infrastructure - an investment that will support local jobs and local businesses during the current global recession.

All up, the 2009-10 Budget delivers an increase in federal funding of $51.8 million, or 50 per cent, over the 2008-09 Budget for Tasmanian road and rail projects.

As well as putting in place the modern, well-planned transport infrastructure vital to Tasmania's and the nation's long term prosperity, our record investment program will support jobs and provide an immediate stimulus to local economies.

During 2009-10, work will start on a range of major road and rail projects including:

• Kingston Bypass - work is scheduled to begin in 2009, with the project expected to be completed in 2012.


• Illawarra Link Road upgrade - work is scheduled to start in 2009, with the upgrade expected to be completed in 2011.

At the other end of the construction cycle, the following major projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2009-10:

• Midland Highway Safety Upgrade


• East Tamar Highway Upgrade projects:
  
  
  
  • Batman Highway Junction grade separation;
  
  
  • Dalrymple; and
  
  
  • Egg Island Creek.
  
  
  
  

On top of the additional money for upgrading poorly designed and congested sections of the State's road network, we are funding a range of initiatives designed to improve road safety:

• $3.2 million to eliminate 28 dangerous black spots on local roads;


• $2.6 million to install boom gates and other safety measures at 13 high risk level crossings; and


• $800,000 to address the lack of safe, modern roadside facilities for truck drivers, including new and refurbished rest stops, parking bays and decoupling areas.

Our investment doesn't stop there.

We will provide $42.7 million to maintain and upgrade local roads in Tasmania. Much of this funding will be paid to the State's 29 councils.

The Rudd Labor Government is working to strengthen the Australian economy during this global financial downturn. By developing well designed transport networks we are contributing to higher productivity and rising living standards.

That's why the Government is investing so much with such urgency.

Funding for the programs and projects listed above are being delivered under the Rudd Labor Government's six year, $26.7 billion Nation Building Program to which the Tasmanian government has signed up.