Tasmanian Treasurer outlines plan for property growth

Tasmanian Treasurer outlines plan for property growthThe Tasmanian state budget is a vote of confidence in the property and construction sector, with a return to surplus by 2017 certain to increase business activity.The budget includes a $315 million jobs package, which aims to deliver 8000 new jobs, and will be spent primarily on infrastructure projects.”We are building roads, dams, hospitals, schools and better cities,” says Treasurer Peter Gutwein (pictured).”If you wear a high-vis vest and are currently working interstate or overseas, hear this message: there is work for you in Tasmania and we want you back.”According to the Property Council’s executive director Brian Wightman, the budget presents a range of reform and investment measures which have been on the industry’s radar for some time.”The state government has obviously listened to the sector and recognised the essential role that it continues to play in the revitalisation of the state’s economy,” Wightman says.The $1.7 million set aside to speed-up planning reforms is particularly welcome, according to Tasmanian Division President Sam Hogg, who says the money is needed to ensure Tasmania has a “modern and robust single state-wide planning scheme by 2016.”Funding to support the Coordinator General and the establishment of Infrastructure Tasmania have also been applauded.”Continued funding over the forward estimates for the Coordinator General, along with $800,000 for Infrastructure Tasmania, is good news for development and investment in the state,” Hogg says.The Property Council continues to call on the state government to take a stronger leadership role to advance local government amalgamations.”The $400,000 investment to further discussions concerning council amalgamations is most welcome, but reform won’t occur by simply having a talkfest,” Wightman concludes.Hear the latest from the Hodgman Government regarding the budget and plans for F2016 at the Business Lunch with the Hon Peter Gutwein MP.