WALKER CORP BREAKS PROMISE TO PAY COSTS: RTI DOCUMENTS
Tim Morris MP
Greens Planning Spokesperson
The Tasmanian Greens today released correspondence obtained under the Right to Information Act proving that the Walker Corporation gave a written commitment to the then Chair of the Lauderdale Steering Committee in 2007 to pay costs associated with the assessment of the failed Ralphs Bay project, a promise it later broke.
Greens Planning spokesperson Tim Morris said that a second letter sent by Walker Corp this year showed the company had changed its position because it wasn’t happy with the Resource, Planning and Development Commission (RPDC) process and outcome which it had agreed to be part of.
“After providing a signed commitment to pay the costs associated with assessing Ralphs Bay, Walker Corporation later decided that because they didn’t like the outcome they were not prepared to pay their debts, and they accused the RPDC of not being impartial,” Mr Morris said.
“The fact is that Walker Corporation has gotten away with not paying its debts because they have deeper pockets than the State Government and have threatened to file a cross claim if the Department seeks to recover the outstanding costs.”
“The fact that there is one rule for everyday Tasmanians and another rule for Walker Corporation treats the Tasmanian community with contempt, and just adds insult to the injury inflicted on the people of Lauderdale.”
“The Tasmanian Government and taxpayers have been be left out of pocket for over three quarters of a million dollars thanks to Walker Corp’s contemptuous behaviour.”
“It was pleasing to hear the Minister’s commitment in response to fix the defects in legislation and regulations so as to ensure that in future that developers sign binding contracts that will ensure they do pay for the full cost of assessment of significant projects.”
Download:
Letter from Walker Corporation to DIER, 26 June 2007
Aug21_Letter_from_Walker_to_DIER_(2007)_ATTACH.pdf
Letter from Walker Corporation to DIER, 19 June 2012
