Alderman Philip Cocker and Lord Mayoral candidate has today called on all Lord Mayoral candidates for Hobart to commit to defeating any proposal for woodchips to be exported from Macquarie Wharf.” I have written to all the Mayoral candidates asking them to present a united front so that no matter who is the Lord Mayor we send a strong message about Hobart’s future.
Further I will be writing to all the candidates for the Hobart City Council asking them to declare their support for a no woodchip mill or exports on the Hobart waterfront.
The comments on ABC radio this morning by Macquarie Point Development Corporation Chairman Mark Ryan are very concerning and indicate that the site is being considered.
This is about defining Hobart’s future and thinking about all MONA has done for the city and what we want for our future. Macquarie wharf should be a defining project for this city as the gateway to our world heritage environment and a world class University. The possibility that it could be turned in to a woodchip berth is a mad idea and must be fought to its death.
I am calling on all Lord Mayoral candidates to commit to fighting this proposal with every tool at their disposal and if elected as Lord Mayor, lead a public campaign, if it becomes necessary to ensure this suggestion goes no further.
The State Government needs to know that the next council will not countenance this project in this place and will take every step available to it to prevent this from going any further.
Alderman Philip Cocker Hobart City Council
