Tas budget funds welcomed by state govt

A near $1 billion federal budget spend on major road and rail upgrades in Tasmania has been welcomed by the state's Liberal premier, with significant cash splashed at marginal electorates.

Most of Tasmania's money in the budget on Tuesday had already been revealed, including $461 million to replace the ageing Bridgewater Bridge over the River Derwent in the seat of Lyons that the coalition lost at the 2016 election.

A further $400 million will be spent on the Bass Highway road corridor which runs through two marginal northern electorates the coalition is also hoping to win back.

"(The) record investment in our state's infrastructure is a testament to the strong partnership between the state and federal Liberal governments," Premier Will Hodgman said.

Federal funds will cover 80 per cent of the bridge's cost with the state tipping in $155 million.

Hobart-based independent MP Andrew Wilkie praised the long-awaited bridge funding but said the budget needed to deliver more than just election sweeteners.

"The government needs to understand that a better deal for Tasmania goes beyond just transport," he said.

"It's disappointing that there was effectively no boost for science and research in Hobart, including reversing the devastating cuts to the CSIRO and the Australian Antarctic Division."

The Tasmanian government was also happy with an extra $190 million in its GST share across the forward estimates.

"It's important that Tasmania continues to receive its fair share," Treasurer Peter Gutwein said in a Facebook video.

"We will continue to fight tooth and nail to ensure we maintain and receive every dollar ... in respect to this important revenue stream."

The state's biosecurity program got a $20 million funding boost after fruit flies were found near Devonport, threatening the island's fruit export industry.

Tasmania will get $3.8 billion in federal funding through GST and grants in 2018/19, with Canberra supporting a clinical system redesign at the Royal Hobart Hospital and the Launceston General Hospital to relieve pressure on emergency departments

Launceston will also get $47.5 million over five years for 12 projects as part of a city deal.

WHAT'S IN THE BUDGET FOR TASMANIA:

* $461 million to replace the Bridgewater Bridge over the Derwent River

* $400 million for targeted road works including the Bass Highway corridor

* $59.8 million for the Tasmanian freight rail revitalisation program

* $20 million to help manage the fruit-fly outbreak

* Redirection of $1.5 million from disaster relief funds to help improve data collection and renew flood mapping of areas affected by 2016 floods

* $47.5 million over five years from 2019/20 to improve the Tamar River