Sue Neales Mercury
THE main backer of the controversial $100 million massive retail development next to Hobart Airport has been revealed as the Tasmanian Government. The draft Major Development Plan, lodged this month with federal Transport Minister Warren Truss, reveals that Hobart International Airport Pty Ltd is the sole proponent of the $100 million Direct Factory Outlet and homemaker retail centre. Hobart International Airport Pty Ltd (HIAPL), which leases all of the land surrounding the airport from the Commonwealth, is fully owned by the State Government.
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Questions from the Libs …
Liberal Media Release
WILL HODGMAN, MHA
Tasmanian Liberal Leader
Friday 18 August, 2006
Deception over airport mega development
The Lennon Government’s deceptiveness has again been exposed with the revelation it’s the major proponent of the mega retail development at Hobart International Airport.
Tasmanian Liberal Leader, Will Hodgman, said at least four senior Lennon Government Ministers and the Premier are implicated in hiding the involvement of the Lennon Government in the project.
Mr Hodgman said Acting Premier, David Llewellyn, should explain immediately:
· why the State Government didn’t make its role clear at the outset;
· its status in the project, through its government business enterprise, Hobart International Airport Pty Ltd. For instance, does it have the status of a joint venture partner and if so what that means;
· what if any financial exposure the State Government and as a result the Tasmanian taxpayer, has to the project and why it is the sole proponent;
· which Minister signed off on the deal and if State Planning Minister, Steve Kons, was made aware of it, in light of his recent criticism of the proposal; and
· the now apparent conflict of interest of Treasurer, Mr Aird, in criticising the Launceston City Council’s opposition to the project.
Mr Hodgman said the Premier, former Economic Development Minister, Lara Giddings, Mr Kons and Bryan Green in his role last year as Infrastructure Minister, all had questions to answer on the matter.
The Liberal Leader said he had confirmed with the office of the Minister for Transport, Warren Truss, that the Hobart International Airport was the sole proponent for the project.
