A $40 million development in Devonport has moved a step closer to becoming a reality after the state government introduced a bill that will override a previous decision to block the project.
The Stony Rise Village project, located on a 3.3-hectare site south of the city, includes plans for a Woolworths supermarket, cafes, shops and a medical centre.
The development by Tipalea had been held up for more than a year following an appeal against the Devonport City Council’s initial approval.
It was first hoped to be completed by the end of 2024.
Planning Minister Felix Ellis responded by introducing a new bill to bypass the commission’s ruling, saying the project would unlock economic benefits and create jobs.
“Today was an important win not just for the Devonport community, but Tasmania as a whole,” he said.
“It is a signal to the business community that this Liberal Government is in your corner.”
Labor threw its support behind the bill while The Greens failed to shoot it down, with planning spokesperson Helen Burnet describing Minister Ellis as someone who wants to “play God when it comes to planning”.
“It’s a reckless idea which sets a dangerous pattern of behaviour and you wonder which developer is going to be lining up for special government approval to subvert the planning process?,” she said.
“Is it going to be a cable car on kunanyi/Mount Wellington?”
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Burnet earlier in the day asked Premier Jeremy Rockliff if developers Tipalea had donated to The Liberals to push the project through.
Rockliff said donations were a matter for the organisation of the party.
