Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The member for Clark can speak for himself! But I thank the member for Clark for his question. I was in Hobart with the former Tasmanian Premier, Will Hodgman, in February 2019 when we announced that deal, with around $1.7 billion in investment. We also expect that deal to create over 1,400 jobs. Before I hand over to the minister responsible, let me update the member on a couple of things.

Design work on the replacement of the Bridgewater Bridge is continuing. We expect the Commonwealth investment in this project will be some $461 million, and we anticipate works will begin on that next year. Direct flights from Hobart to Auckland recommenced on 21 April 2021 for the first time since 1996, and Air New Zealand is now flying the service twice a week into Hobart. Forty-eight properties have already been tenanted through the $30 million investment to deliver at least 100 new dwellings in the Greater Hobart region, in partnership with community housing providers. I know that's a topic the member is keenly interested in and played a key role in when we formed this deal. And city deal partners are considering the findings of a study of potential transport solutions to the northern suburbs transport corridor, which will help to identify the most economic and efficient option. I'll ask the minister to add further to the answer.

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