The Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania has paid tribute to Treasurer and former Minister for Infrastructure, Michael Ferguson for his hard work and commitment to support civil construction in Tasmania.

CEO of CCFTas, Andrew Winch said the loss of Michael Ferguson from the Ministry is a loss for the civil construction industry in Tasmania due to his strong advocacy for the sector.

“Minister Ferguson helped get the Bridgewater Bridge out of the ground, oversaw the new wing at the Royal Hobart Hospital and helped to upgrade the Midland and Bass Highways,” Mr Winch said.

“It wasn’t just the big-ticket infrastructure items that got Michael Ferguson’s attention as Infrastructure Minister either, as he presided over a period of significant increases in roads maintenance, and he also continued to support road worker safety through the Your Speed Is Our Safety advertising campaign.”

Mr Winch said Minister Ferguson was tireless in arguing for Tasmania to receive its’ fair share of infrastructure funding by not giving up on the so-called 80/20 rule, which sees the Federal Government pay 80 per cent and the state pay 20 per cent of infrastructure costs.

“As it stands, an agreement to reduce the 80/20 split to 50/50 sits unsigned and I thank the Minister for not giving up the fight.

“The civil construction industry thanks Mr Ferguson for his hard work and commitment to building a better Tasmania,” Mr Winch said.

ENDS

For further information: Andrew Winch CCF 0456 653 390