Media release – Our Place Hobart, 21 May 2024
OUR PLACE SAYS COMMONWEALTH FUNDING IS OUT OF REACH
Following the announcement of the funding agreement between Tasmania and the Commonwealth, Our Place spokesperson Roland Browne said: “This is a disaster for the Liberal minority government’s Mac Point stadium plans.”
“The Commonwealth has very sensibly told Tasmania’s Liberal government to start all over again: consult with Aboriginal people, with the RSL and with the Hobart community. The problem this poses for the Liberal minority government is that none of the groups to be consulted want the stadium at Macquarie Point.”
“The government ought to halt both the works on the site and the Planning Commission process and start again. It’s hardly a proper or adequate consultation where the Liberal government regards the stadium as inevitable. The other problem for the Liberal Government is if they can’t and don’t properly consult – and respond to the consultation – they will never meet the Commonwealth’s milestones, and will never get that money.”
“We repeat: Tasmania cannot afford this project. Time to focus on health, housing and a stadium at York Park, in Launceston, to benefit the entire state. Our Place Hobart repeats its call for the money to be spent on housing at Macquarie Point,” said Roland Browne.
Media release – City of Hobart, 21 May 2024
Federal funding to shore up Hobart as an Antarctic gateway
The City of Hobart welcomes the $240 million funding agreement between the Australian and Tasmanian Governments for the urban redevelopment of Macquarie Point, which includes an urgently needed upgrade to Macquarie Wharf.
This significant investment, outlined in the Australian Government’s Budget released last week, will commence in 2025-26 and span three years.
“We are thrilled to see the long-awaited upgrades to the Macquarie Wharf included in this agreement,” Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.
“The redevelopment of the wharf is crucial for future proofing the logistical capabilities of the Hobart Port, ensuring it meets the needs of our vital Antarctic sector.”
The enhancements to Macquarie Wharf are key to maintaining Hobart’s role as the home port for the RSV Nuyina and numerous visiting international icebreakers and research vessels.
This sector is not only a cornerstone of our city’s identity but also a significant economic contributor, providing 1000 local jobs and injecting $183 million into the local economy annually.
“We have long lobbied for these upgrades, and it is pleasing to see our efforts come to fruition,” Cr Reynolds said.
“We look forward to further updates from the Tasmanian Government on this important project and its positive impact on our community.”
Greg Pullen
May 24, 2024 at 12:26
Would anyone like to undertake the arduous (and pointless) task of counting the number of times Premier Rockliffe and his Liberal acolytes contradicted the clear messages coming from Canberra that (a) the $240 million was not funding for an AFL stadium at Macquarie Point and (b) that the $240 m would be deducted from Tasmania’s future GST allocations ?
Is nobody interested?
Chris
May 25, 2024 at 10:59
It’s normal, so what is the rush? After all, the Minister For Standing Still is still treasurer and nothing changes here except the weather.
Perhaps he could, like one former PM, shirt front the Government.
We have a minister for resources with a great MIS reputation, and a Health Minister out of sorts and minder of the purse – and he’s still here.
Rick
May 30, 2024 at 15:04
I’m not too sure why it is so difficult for those against the stadium to work it out – but I will try:
The stadium has to be in Hobart as per the AFL’s agreement. Stop suggesting York or Launceston.
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Rick, sentences in capital letters, such as the one above was, are not permitted here.
— Moderator