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Construction Blitz 15,000 Jobs $3.1 Billion in Construction Value

Construction Blitz 15,000 Jobs $3.1 Billion in Construction Value

OUR PLAN TO REBUILD A STRONGER Construction blitz 15,000 jobs $3.1 billion in construction value

Rec ver. Re build. A MESSAGE FROM

COVID-19 has been the biggest health, economic and societal shock to hit our state in a century. It has challenged all of us in in ways previously unimagined, and forced action, which has curbed our freedoms and driven thousands of Tasmanians into unemployment. Tragically, it also cost Tasmanian lives.

The good news is, thanks to the hard work and It brings forward government expenditure, it will stimulate sacrifices made by Tasmanians, we now have the virus investment in the private sector, it will strengthen and under a measure of control, making our Island state underpin the economy and it will create thousands of jobs. the envy of the world. I have said that the hallmarks of this Government will be one Now, we face the second and arguably tougher phase of compassion, conviction and opportunity, and never before of this fight – to reboot our economy, while avoiding a has that been more important as we rally together to build deadly second wave of the virus. our way out of coronavirus.

This will not be easy. Measures to manage the virus The centrepiece of the package delivers 2300 new dwellings, will mean business will need to find new ways to do including social and affordable houses across the state. old things, to stay profitable and employ their fellow Tasmanians in a COVID-Safe environment, and we will It also secures and fast-tracks projects across community work closely with them to achieve that. infrastructure, roads, irrigation and other essential infrastructure. It’s no longer about shutting down and saving lives it’s about opening up our economy and These are challenging times, but now is not the time to rebuilding lives. sit idle, now is the time to unleash the greatest stimulus program we can, to kick-start the recovery process and We will super-charge the economy with a record help get Tasmania back on track and back in business. construction blitz over two years, supporting around 15,000 jobs.

The package will build on the Government’s current infrastructure package of $1.8 billion over the next two years, and in total will underpin and support an estimated construction value of $3.1 billion across the Peter Gutwein next two years. Premier of Tasmania

2 Our Plan to Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania TASMANIA’S SUCCESS IN Fighting COVID-19

As soon as information about the virulence and potential global spread of COVID-19 became available, we immediately stood up a whole-of-government approach to prepare for the emergence of the virus in Tasmania.

On Monday 2 March, Tasmania’s first case of COVID-19 was confirmed, leading to a rapid and comprehensive Government response, led by our Department of Health. At the same time, the Government’s State Emergency Minister for Health Management Committee, with Health as the lead agency, assumed responsibility for overseeing our emergency response activities. We know that rebooting our economy As with any emergency incident, these activities are conducted in accordance with our long-standing and is essential for jobs across Tasmania. well-tested emergency management plans, guidelines and We will continue to take a responsible operational protocols. approach to easing restrictions, We used our Island state as our best defence mechanism informed by Public Health advice, to do and we went hard and early with our response to this safely and minimise the potential of coronavirus, leading the nation on cruise ship bans, border a devastating second wave controls and other measures to limit physical distancing to protect Tasmanians.

Timeline of COVID-19 in Tasmania Modelling shows, had we not taken early and fast action in , the 20 March 2 April Border restrictions Further restrictions to racing, COVID-19 pandemic would have effective in Tasmania sex workers, garage sales, markets and scalloping dramatically exceeded the capacity of the 19 March 12 April health system, with more than 89% of State of Emergency Further North West declared for Tasmania Restrictions effective the population potentially infected. 15 16 March Cruise ships suspended from Tasmania 12 20 April 200 confirmed cases of 15 May 9 COVID-19 in Tasmania Seven consecutive days with no new cases 26 April 6 COVIDSafe App Launched 18 May 5 June Stage One Stage Two Restrictions lifted Restrictions 3 New COVID-19 cases per day New COVID-19

0 3 Mar. 10 Mar. 17 Mar. 24 Mar. 31 Mar. 7 Apr. 14 Apr. 21 Apr. 28 Apr. 5 May 12 May 19 May 25 May 1 June 8 June 11 June

Our Plan to Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania 3 Our Housing Investment Delivering a construction value of (est) $792 million

1,000 Social Housing Dwellings Construction Value (est) $300 million

The Government will invest an additional $100 million in partnership with Community Housing Providers to deliver up to an additional 1,000 new social houses. This investment complements, but is additional to, targets and actions in the Affordable Housing Action Plan 2019 – 2023.

Fast-tracking 220 Social Houses Construction Value (est) $24 million

The Government will bring forward funding of $14 million and provide new funding of $10 million to deliver 220 new social housing dwellings by 2022, 18 months earlier than planned. Minister for Housing

These homes are part of a 300 home Community Housing Grants program funded by savings from the Commonwealth Housing Debt Waiver Agreement, with additional funds to enable early delivery. This investment complements, but is additional to, targets and actions in the Affordable Housing Action Plan 2019 – 23 There is no doubt that housing will play a key role in our economic and social Home Builder Grant of $20,000 recovery from COVID-19. Construction Value (est) $400 million Not only will this investment The Government currently offers $20,000 to first home owners who build their own home or buy a house and land package. To create jobs and stimulate support the building and construction sector, the Government will our economy, but it will also make a $20,000 grant available to all owner occupier new home provide more affordable builds for contracts entered into until the end of 2020 and the and social housing for build completed within eighteen months. Tasmanians in need. This will provide new owner-occupier home builders with $20,000 towards the cost of a new build or the purchase of new house and land package. For more information, visit www.sro.tas.gov.au/ about-us/covid-19.

4 Our Plan to Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania Expanded HomeShare Program Construction Value (est) $9.3 million

HomeShare reduces the initial cost of buying a house and the monthly cost of owning it. The Scheme opens the door to home ownership for those who have enough income to make the step but need a helping hand.

Eligibility for HomeShare is based on income and asset limits and includes all existing Housing Tasmanian tenants. To stimulate a greater take- up of HomeShare, the Government will revise the eligibility thresholds for HomeShare.

Income eligibility limits will be increased by up to 15 per cent and the maximum financial asset limit will also be increased to $100,000 to increase the number of households who can use HomeShare.

The Government equity contribution has been increased to a maximum of $100,000 per house.

It is estimated uptake would result in 150 home purchases including 75 new builds over two years.

The estimated cost of this initiative is $9.3 million over two years.

There is no stronger supporter of Tasmania’s building and construction sector than the Tasmanian Liberal Government.

This package is a game-changer for the sector and will create jobs when they are needed the most, with far-reaching benefits across the entire supply chain, supporting businesses and households. Minister for Building and Construction

Our Plan to Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania 5 Our Investment in Essential Services Delivering a total construction value of (est) $42.1 million

Police Housing Upgrades Construction Value (est) $8.7 million Remote area policing is a critical Funding of $8.7 million will be provided to complete role for and we the upgrade of all police housing by June 2022. The Department has been progressing with the upgrade of know housing in good condition police housing in line with the Government’s budget and encourages police officers and Capital Investment Program (CIP) initiatives since 2014. their families to live and stay in The Department will complete the upgrade of the final 29 our country areas. 29 residences in police houses over the next two years with this additional regional areas across the state are funding. These houses are located in various regional areas around the state and will provide a significant economic set to undergo upgrades. stimulus to a number of regional Tasmanian communities.

Launceston Police Station Refurbishment Construction Value (est) $7 million Funding of $7 million will be provided to undertake urgent infrastructure upgrades and accommodation renovations to the Launceston Police Station.

The refurbishment will provide Police Officers and the community with modern, fit for purpose premises well into the future. Improvements to the Police Station include Minister for Police, Fire & Emergency Management amenities upgrades, security upgrades, structural repairs, and internal redevelopment.

6 Our Plan to Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania Child and Family Learning Centres Construction Value (est) $7 million

The Government will provide an additional $7 million for Child and Family Learning Centres (CFLCs) for a total investment of $28 million. This means that $17.6 million will be spent on the Centres in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

CFLCs are a proven way of supporting families and carers in the early years of a child’s life in communities where we can make the most difference. The Government will fast-track Emergency Services State five of the promised six CFLCs, Operation Centre across all parts of the State. Construction Value (est) $3.5 million The design and construction The Government will provide $3.5 million to establish a new process will begin now on two State Operations Centre in a central location from which all our CFLCs – one at East Tamar and emergency services may coordinate our response to emergencies. another at Wynyard – with these Centres completed in the 2021- Regional Health and Ambulance Facilities Fund 22 financial year. There has been Construction Value (est) $10 million strong community engagement in these communities. Funding of $10 million will be provided to upgrade regional health Community engagement and ambulance facilities. These upgrades will provide better facilities and consultation will begin for patients and staff in Tasmania’s regional health facilities, and immediately on a further better facilities for paramedics and volunteers at rural stations. three CFLCs – in Glenorchy, Kingborough and West Burnie Court – Bringing Forward Ulverstone – with construction Construction Value (est) $5.9 million to now substantially begin in the 2021-22 financial year. The Government will bring forward $5.9 million of the $15 million investment in improving access to court services in Burnie. A further CLFC in Sorell will begin construction in The investment will provide better access to justice for those in the 2022 23 in line with the $25 North West by enabling the long-term continuation of Magistrate million redevelopment of the and Supreme Court services in Burnie in fit for purpose premises. Sorell School.

Our Plan to Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania 7 Our Investment in Community Infrastructure Delivering (est) $167.5 million in construction value

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Construction Value (est) $4 million

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (RTBG) is the only botanical gardens in Tasmania and is the second oldest in Australia. In the last four years the Gardens have experienced a 40 per cent increase in visitation to 525,000 visitors annually.

This has placed pressure on existing infrastructure and demonstrated the need for significant upgrades and modernisation to meet expectations of visitors.

The Government has already provided $3.6 million for a new visitors centre.

This additional funding of $4 million will be used to fund a major capital works program, to build new infrastructure and upgrade existing ageing infrastructure in order to meet the additional demands of the Botanical Gardens’ rapidly growing visitor numbers.

A focus will be on developing a new visitor centre along with improved disability access into and around the gardens.

Public Building Refurbishment and Upgrade Program Additional $20 million investment

An additional $20 million will be provided over two years to fund critical maintenance on public buildings and other publicly owned assets.

This funding is in addition to the $50 million that was brought forward and announced as part of the Government’s initial economic and social support measures. This $70 million Program will continue to provide support for regional employment and trades.

8 Our Plan to Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania Improving the Playing Field Fund for Sporting Organisations Construction Value (est) $10 million

The Government will establish a $10 million fund to provide grants to sporting clubs and associations to improve playing facilities across Tasmania to maintain and build participation across sporting codes following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Improving the Playing Field grants will be made available to upgrade Minister for sporting facilities for women and men of all ages, girls and boys and Sport & Recreation those with disabilities.

The grants are designed to encourage continued participation in sports following the interruption of competitions due to the COVID-19 pandemic by improving the amenity of facilities for The Improving the Playing Field participants, officials and spectators. The grants program will also initiative will provide grants to provide a valuable stimulus to the construction industry across urban and regional Tasmania. sporting clubs and associations to improve facilities across Grants of between $25,000 and $250,000 will be considered for Tasmania, helping to maintain approved capital works which may include change rooms, toilets and and build participation rates shower facilities, accessibility, lighting, security, fencing, scoreboards, across all sporting codes. drainage and other civil construction works. The grants will be available for both the building of new facilities and upgrading existing It will be made available to facilities. local councils, sporting associations and clubs. The Grants program will be open to local councils, sporting associations and clubs.

Derwent Entertainment Centre Construction Value (est) $68.5 million

The Government is well advanced with discussions with both the NBL and LK Group with regard to the establishment of a Tasmanian NBL franchise, development of the DEC and Wilkinson’s Point precinct and the establishment of a community multi-sport venue. To realise this initiative, the Government will provide $68.5 million for the upgrade of the Derwent Entertainment Centre as a world class entertainment and sporting facility including $20 million for a community four court multisport facility.

Subject to final agreement on terms being reached, the upgraded DEC will host a Tasmanian National Basketball League team and NBL games as well as being available for major community events and entertainment.

Our Plan to Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania 9 Cooee – Wynyard Coastal Pathway Construction Value (est) $12 million

The Government will provide an extra $12 million over two years to the Burnie City and Waratah-Wynyard Councils to complete the coastal pathway between Cooee and Wynyard along the disused rail corridor.

The funding will enable works to repair existing damage threatening the rail embankment and further works necessary to protect the corridor from future erosion risks over the next 20 years. Liberal Member for Montgomery

North West Tasmania was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, with businesses having to close their doors and the community going into lockdown. Any projects which can help to not only Joan Rylah support our economy on the North West, Liberal Member but increase community morale are key in for Braddon rebuilding our region.

The long awaited Coastal Pathway will connect North West communities from Cooee to Wynyard.

The new 13km, multi-use pathway connecting the two communities will be a great opportuntiy for people to walk, run or cycle along along this spectacular stretch of the Bass Strait coastline.

Image courtesy of S. Group

10 Our Plan to Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania Cascades Female Factory Construction Value (est) $3 million

The Cascades Female Factory in South is a significant site managed by the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority.

It is one of very few surviving female factories and has been deemed of international heritage significance due to its Image courtesy of Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett ability to tell the female convict story.

Listed as a World Heritage site in 2010, the need for a new Visitor and Interpretation Centre was identified by the World Heritage Committee at the time of listing. The Government funding of $3 million will contribute to the design and construction of a new visitor centre, which will include modern and accessible facilities.

This project has already received Heritage Council and Hobart City Council approvals.

Local Government Loans Construction Value (est) $50 million The Clarence City Council The Government will provide a further $50 million has begun work on a new for Local Government No Interest Loans. This will $2.8 million Bellerive Public bring the Government’s total commitment for Local Government loans to $200 million. Pier, which the has supported These loans will be interest free for three years and through our $200 million made available to encourage local governments to invest and employ more Tasmanians to upgrade, renovate and No Interest Loans for to do necessary maintenance to improve our tourism Local Government initative. assets and local infrastructure.

Jacquie Petrusma Liberal Member for Franklin

Our Plan to Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania 11 Our Investment in Roads and Irrigation Infrastructure Delivering a total construction value of (est) $55 million

State Road Safety Upgrade Fund Construction Value (est) $40 million

The Government will allocate $40 million for State road safety upgrades in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

We will also bring forward $40 million in road safety projects through an accelerated procurement tender process. This will provide the local construction industry with certainty of work and employment prospects over the coming months and into the next construction season.

The first tranche of projects under this package are now out to market, including safety upgrades on Highland Lakes Road at the ‘Pub with No Beer’ corner, improved turning facilities on the Bass at Boat Harbour, and road widening and improved turning facilities on the at .

A further nine projects will be put to market under this process and will include bridge strengthening works, the upgrade of Binalong Bay Road, the Bruny Island landside infrastructure, and road widening works on the Midland Highway between Powranna and Tunbridge.

The Government’s record $378 million roads budget next financial year already includes other significant projects, such as the new Hobart Airport interchange, park and ride facilities in Kingborough, the upgrades and the start of the $100 million Bass Highway upgrades with the Boat Harbour Primary School turn-off. These projects are all on track to start later this year.

The new $40 million will be invested into much needed road and bridge upgrades across the State, and we also have a significant pipeline of projects that will be tendered in the coming months. The best way to get our budget back on track, grow business confidence and create jobs for Tasmanians is to grow the economy, and Michael Ferguson Minister for Infrastructure that is exactly what we are doing. and Transport

12 Our Plan to Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania Irrigation Schemes Construction Value (est) $15 million

The Tasmanian Liberal Government recognises that agriculture is a cornerstone of our state’s economy, which is why we are investing a further $15 million to meet the increased demand for the first 5 schemes of Pipeline to Prosperity our Tranche 3 of irrigation scheme. John Tucker Liberal Member The $28.51 million, 5,000ML Don Irrigation Scheme in the for Lyons North West is our priority project with construction to commence early in 2021, delivering 130 direct and indirect jobs once all the scheme water is fully utilised.

We have the rich soil, Our nation-leading irrigation schemes are underpinning agricultural production and boosting farm productivity across the favourable climate, water State, enabling farmers to diversify, value add and expand their infrastructure, enterprising existing farming operations; a key plank for meeting our target of farmers and a premium brand, increasing the farm gate value of Tasmania’s agricultural sector to that we can leverage to expand $10 billion a year by 2050.

our agricultural industries Schemes in Fingal, Northern Midlands, Sassafras/Wesley Vale and and food manufacturing Tamar districts are progressing and would provide farmers in capacity and help to rebuild each district with confidence to invest further in growing their Tasmania’s economy. businesses

Guy Barnett Minister for Primary Industries & Water

Not only does Tasmania’s agricultural sector continue to put food on our tables, it also underpins prosperity in our rural and regional communities, and will be a vital driver of economic growth into the future. The further $15 million investment will allow us to deliver state-of-the-art irrigation schemes, supporting 130 jobs.

Our Plan to Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania 13 Our Investment in Education and Skills Infrastructure Delivering a total construction value of (est) $10.5 million

Trades and Water Centre of Excellence Construction Value (est) $7 million

The Government’s vocational education and training system is critical to rebuilding Tasmania, providing the skills needed to support local jobs for industry productivity.

To skill Tasmanians for local jobs in the construction and Liberal Member civil contracting industries, including the water and sewerage for Franklin infrastructure sector, the Government has brought forward and re-capitalised the TasTAFE Trades and Water Centre of Excellence promised at the 2018 State election. The Centre will be based An initial $7 million was provided for this initiative in the 2019- 20 Budget. at TasTAFE’s Clarence campus in Warrane and The Government will now provide a further $7 million for the focus on training Tasmanians new $14 million Trades and Water Centre of Excellence, which in the construction and will be a key driver in delivering the skills needed to Rebuild civil contracting industries, Tasmania. including the water It will have its own industry-based Board, to ensure its and sewerage operations and training align with the skill needs of employers. infrastructure sector.

14 Our Plan to Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania Devonport High School Construction Value (est) $3.5 million

The Government will bring forward $3.5 million of funding allocated for the $10.5 million redevelopment of the Devonport High School.

This major redevelopment will include the provision of contemporary learning environments, support spaces and administration, and car park improvements.

Extensive consultation has been undertaken since 2018 with the Devonport school community, the wider community and local businesses to determine exactly what learning offerings and facilities are needed. It’s great the $3.5 million has been brought forward to progress this important project, as part of the Tasmanian Government’s infrastructure expenditure to Minister for strengthen and underpin the economy. Education & Training

RBF Tasmanian Investment Fund

Retirement Benefits Fund – Social and Economic Returns for Tasmanians Total Construction Value (est) $200 million

The Retirement Benefits Fund (RBF) manages Treasury will implement arrangements whereby up superannuation for Tasmania public sector employees to 10 per cent of the Fund’s investments will be who hold defined benefits account or pension. invested in Tasmania and the Premier’s Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council will consider As at the time of RBF 2018-19 Annual Report, the options to best provide an economic and social Retirement Benefits Fund stood at $2.1 billion. return for the State. The Superannuation Commission oversees the administration and investment activity of the Fund. The Fund will be used to identify suitable investments outside of Government in the private The Commission currently has investments across sector that can be supported across the economy a balanced portfolio including Equity Funds, Fixed to increase economic activity, create jobs and Income Funds, unlisted property and infrastructure strengthen social outcomes. This could see up to and cash. $200 million flow into investments in Tasmania.

Our Plan to Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania 15 For more information, please email [email protected]

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