The Rockliff Liberal Government has received advice on the most appropriate planning assessment pathway for the Macquarie Point Urban Renewal Project which includes a multi-purpose stadium at its core.
It is the Government’s intention that, after the updated Masterplan for the site is developed, it will be nominated for declaration as a Major Project.
Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing, Guy Barnett, said under the Major Projects process, projects such as the Macquarie Point urban renewal project or the Bridgewater Bridge do not come before the Parliament or relevant council for approval but are instead assessed by an independent expert panel, established by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
“It is a process that has already demonstrated its integrity and effectiveness during the assessment and approval of the $786 million new Bridgewater Bridge project, the biggest transport infrastructure project in this State’s history,” he said.
“I must say it was strange to read Ms White’s recent comments in relation to the Major Projects assessment process – which was supported by Labor in both Houses of Parliament not so long ago. If this type of infrastructure project doesn’t go through this process what is the purpose of it?”
Major Projects is a statutory planning process under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act, that contains various opportunities for public input, including during the development of the assessment criteria and during consideration of the Major Project Impact Statement.
Prior to declaring a major project, in accordance with the statutory process, the Minister for Planning will consult with a range of interested parties.
If declared, the project would then be assessed by an independent expert panel appointed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission and at arms-length from Government.
“In effect, Major Projects takes the politics out of the decision-making and allows a development proposal to be assessed on its merits against the requirements of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act and our Resource Management and Planning System,” Minister Barnett said.
“Tasmanians can be assured that if declared a major project that there would be an independent process that is rigorous and which provides genuine opportunities for community engagement.”
