Secrecy continues to shroud the ludicrous suggestion of a Macquarie Wharf woodchip export facility with the Liberal government failing to guarantee public consultation, involvement of the Hobart City Council, or that any facility would definitely be removed from the wharf at the end of its designated life-span, Greens Leader and Forestry spokesperson Kim Booth MP said today.
“This hare-brained and retrograde notion has exposed the Liberals as being in utter disarray,” Mr Booth said.
“The Liberals burp out this desperate thought-bubble, which in itself is a confession of failure with their so-called plan to rebuild the forest industry, and then spin on the spot attacking anyone who dares ask questions.”
“It is unacceptable that despite numerous questions being raised in Parliament the Hodgman regime refused to provide any further detail or commit to improved transparency and genuine community consultation.”
“While Paul Harriss’ Ministerial Statement spelt out that industry stakeholders, the Macquarie Point Development Corporation and the tourism industry will be consulted in the feasibility study process, the government refused to guarantee public consultation or that even the Hobart City Council would be involved.”
“Despite describing the Macquarie Wharf option as ‘short-term’, the Premier failed to guarantee that any woodchip facility will definitely be removed from the wharf at the end of its designated life-span.”
“The Premier also refused to divulge when asked any estimated costs associated with an undercover woodchip storage facility on the wharf.”
“Woodchips from Macquarie Wharf does not add up. It does not make good financial sense, nor is it good public policy.”
“If Will Hodgman and Paul Harriss truly believe this is a winner, then they have nothing to hide and should guarantee full public consultation, proper involvement of the Hobart City Council and other non-industry stakeholders,” Mr Booth said.