Infrastructure Study announced

The Minister for Infrastructure, David O'Byrne, said the Western Tasmanian Infrastructure Strategy has identified transport as the key infrastructure sector for investment.

"Through the mining, tourism, forestry and aquaculture sectors, we're seeing a diverse range of industries that make a significant contribution to our economy," he 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 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 Mt 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