Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens' Leader
The enormous potential of Hobart's railyards site is in jeopardy as a result of a hands-off Minister and failure of the Liberal Government to prioritise the transformation of Macquarie Point.
For more than two years now, State Growth Minister, Matthew Groom, has done nothing to progress the development of Macquarie Point despite knowing full well that unless the sewerage treatment works are relocated, the project will be dead.
We haven't heard a peep from the Minister since the Tasmanian Planning Commission handed down its decision late on Friday, which puts in doubt any future development on the site unless the sewerage works are removed.
Here we have a fantastic site, ripe with potential, on the banks of the river and at the gateway to the most beautiful city in Australia.
This project has the potential to transform Hobart and deliver significant economic growth to the State.
The fact we have global leaders, such as the Eden Project, previously enthusiastic about the railyards site tells us what a great opportunity we have in front of us as a community.
It would be an absolute travesty if this opportunity was lost because Minister Groom sat on his hands for too long, derailing the development and potential of the old railyards site.