An elected Dutton Coalition Government would reinstate the “80-20” funding rule” and provide 80 per cent of the cost of regionally significant road projects in Tasmania, Susie Bower, Liberal for Lyons said today.

Ms Bower confirmed the funding increase at the site of the proposed Bass Highway duplication, which will receive $80 million from the Coalition out of a total budgeted $100 million cost.

“Road infrastructure is just so important in Tasmania, particularly in the vast electorate of Lyons where it’s used for commerce, for tourism and of course for everyday travel by residents,” Ms Bower said.

“Yesterday, I was thrilled that Mr Dutton announced that if elected the Coalition will fund $80 million of the total budgeted $100 million cost to help duplicate the section of the Bass Highway between Launceston and Deloraine.

“Today, I am pleased to confirm that this announcement is just a downpayment on a future Coalition Government’s support of road infrastructure in Tasmania, with the 80-20 funding rule to be restored for regionally significant road projects in the state.

“Road building is an expensive exercise, and the 80-20 funding split will enable road upgrades to go ahead that might otherwise be out of the funding ability of the state government.”

The 80-20 rule was scrapped by the Labor Government in 2023.