Unlocking Hobart’s $1b waterfront

The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, has welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment of $50m to unlock the enormous potential of Hobart’s waterfront.

The funds will remediate the Hobart railyards at Macquarie Point and, pending approval, improve public ferry infrastructure at Brooke Street Pier.

“I’m absolutely delighted the Federal Government has so quickly recognised the enormous merit of these projects,’’ Mr Wilkie said.

“They have the potential to transform the face of Hobart and confirm the city’s status as one of the world’s most beautiful harbours.

“It’s also estimated the renewal of the Hobart waterfront will create a billion dollars worth of investment and commercial activity.’’

Mr Wilkie has been in discussions for some time with the Infrastructure Minister, Anthony Albanese, and his state counterpart, David O’Byrne, about securing federal funds for Hobart’s waterfront.
The railyards site will become available later this year when rail operations move to the Brighton Transport Hub.

The Federal Government has already provided $110,000 for the State Government to conduct an economic study into the site’s future uses including the area’s economic, cultural and tourism potential.

Mr Wilkie said the opening up of the large waterfront site so close to Hobart’s CBD, Sullivans Cove, Queens Domain and Royal Botanical Gardens represented an unprecedented opportunity.

“I recognise there is a wide range of views on how best to use Macquarie Point,’’ he said. “But this is the largest brown-field site in any Australian capital city so, with proper consultation and careful planning, there is no reason why all sensible uses can’t be accommodated.

“Brooke St Pier is already essential infrastructure for Hobart’s ferry services but it is small, poorly equipped and hard on the eye. Rebuilding it properly will dovetail perfectly with the Macquarie Point redevelopment, significantly add to Hobart’s public infrastructure and be a big boost for tourism operators.’’

Mr Wilkie said he was mindful of getting the best deal for Tasmania.

“During my discussions with Minister Albanese I’ve been uncompromising on the need to ensure any funding should have no impact on Tasmania’s GST share,’’ he said.