Media release – Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, 13 June 2024
WHARF ROTS WHILE ROME BURNS
Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, will discuss the impasse between the Federal and State governments over port facilities for the RSV Nuyina, as well as the possibility of Hobart losing its status as the Australian, and indeed, key international gateway to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean.
“Media reports that the Federal Government has written to the State Government and warned them that the icebreaker will be based elsewhere if Tasmania doesn’t fix the Hobart port is devastating news,” Mr Wilkie said. “Australia’s Antarctic Program is crucial to Tasmania and the basis for many hundreds of science and other jobs. To lose all that because of State Government incompetence and TasPorts’ attempt at price gouging would be a shocking failure of governance, a dreadful blow to the Tasmanian economy and entirely unforgiveable.
“The ball is squarely in the State Government’s court because the Federal Government has committed $240 million to Macquarie Point and wants the icebreaker to remain berthed in Hobart. But it seems the State Government is doing everything to thwart this. The State Government also needs to stop trying to blame Canberra for everything and start solving its own problems.”
Media release – Greater Hobart Mayors, 13 June 2024
Statement regarding Macquarie Wharf redevelopment
The Greater Hobart Mayors have issued the following statement regarding the redevelopment of Macquarie Wharf:
“We call on the Tasmanian Government to urgently address the concerns outlined by the Federal Minister regarding the Macquarie Wharf redevelopment and call on both sides to strike a deal as soon as possible to avoid a disaster for Hobart and Tasmania.
We’ve been on the record calling for these wharf upgrades for several years. The negotiations between TasPorts and AAD have been moving at a glacial speed and it is well passed time for action and certainty.
This is a significant economic threat to Hobart and Tasmania and we urge the Premier to pick up the phone today and find a solution.
It is critical that we work to maintain Greater Hobart as a world-class science and research city, ensuring it remains the focal point for international, national and private Antarctic and Science research organisations and institutes.
As Mayors we recognise the enormous importance of the Antarctic sector to all four of our municipalities and the Greater Hobart economy, and support the ambition for Hobart to become the world’s leading Antarctic gateway.
The Macquarie Wharf redevelopment is absolutely crucial to this ambition.
There continues to be significant concerns regarding the impact of the condition of Macquarie Wharf on the ongoing operations of the Antarctic sector at the Port of Hobart.
These concerns highlight both the importance and urgency of finalising the commercial arrangements between the state and commonwealth governments to fund the proposed upgrades.
We want to see the RSV Nuyina and Antarctic icebreakers remain a permanent part of an upgraded working port, and for Hobart’s Antarctic and Science Sectors to thrive into the future.”
Brendan Blomeley is the Mayor of Clarence City Council, Sue Hickey is the Acting Mayor of Glenorchy City Council, Anna Reynolds is the Lord Mayor of the Hobart City Council and Clare Glade-Wright is the Acting Mayor of Kingborough Council.
