RACT welcomes Federal Budget commitments
Published | 15 May 2024
As Tasmania’s largest member organisation, and leading motoring advocate, we have welcomed commitments to Tasmanian road and mobility infrastructure and disaster resilience contained in last night’s Federal Budget.
Our General Manager Advocacy and Government Relations, Mel Percival said Tasmania would receive $219M in funding towards roads, which included new and existing projects.
“RACT is pleased to see the Federal Government commit to funding key projects across the state, including $120M for new projects on the Lyell and Huon highways.
“We also look forward to finally seeing work begin on the much-needed Mornington Roundabout, which will address safety concerns and ease congestion on a key road in our capital.
We're also pleased to see the investment of $21M nationally to support the collection of key safety data from state and territory governments, which will provide information that improves how government invest taxpayers’ money on roads.
“This was a key ask from RACT and the Australian Automobile Association, which will result in smarter investment in safer roads, which ultimately saves lives.”
The Federal Budget also includes funding for greater mobility, and investment in new technology fuels, which will support Tasmania’s transition away from fossil fuel transport.
“Investment in cleaner modes of transport is crucial, with transport being the biggest contributor to Tasmania’s greenhouse gas emissions.
“With charging infrastructure regularly cited as one of the biggest barriers to electric vehicle uptake in Tasmania, we’ll be calling for more information on the scope and scale of these investment, and how they’ll support Tasmanians transition to cleaner vehicles.”
Ms Percival also recognised increased funding for disaster preparedness and resilience.
“Together with the Insurance Council of Australia, we want to work collaboratively with the Federal Government to inform where investment can deliver the greatest benefits for Tasmanians,” Ms Percival said.