Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, had a positive virtual conference this afternoon with Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, and Alan Tudge who is the Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure.
Mr Wilkie said he had impressed upon the Federal Government the need to provide a significant stimulus package for Greater Hobart including the $183m of shovel-ready transport projects proposed by the region’s mayors.
“It was a constructive meeting and I am satisfied that Mr McCormack and Mr Tudge understand the extraordinary challenges Greater Hobart is facing,” Mr Wilkie said.
“While all capitals have seen revenue crash, the City of Hobart has been hit even harder because of the City’s disproportionate reliance on the hospitality, tourism, arts and culture and tertiary education sectors. This has created ripples that compound the severe challenges being faced in Glenorchy, Clarence and Kingborough.
“It’s very important that Greater Hobart has a direct and personal line to the most senior levels of the Federal Government and I was heartened by Mr McCormack and Mr Tudge’s invitation for me to raise proposals for infrastructure spending directly with them.
“The challenge now is to turn words into action and the pressure is on all three levels of government to continue to work together to ensure that Greater Hobart gets the Commonwealth support to get shovel-ready projects off the drawing board.”