Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has avoided commenting on the Tasmanian Government’s plan to bypass normal planning processes for the Macquarie Point stadium project.
When questioned about Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s intention to introduce special legislation to fast-track the stadium, Albanese repeatedly shifted focus to the redevelopment potential of the site.
“Mac Point has been an eyesore. It should be a jewel in the crown,” Albanese said.
“All of our capital cities have got much better at connecting up the CBD with the waterfront. And Hobart is such a stunning, beautiful city.”
The Prime Minister said that $50 million in federal funding had been originally allocated for the Macquarie Point redevelopment back as 2012.
“You see a space that is prime waterfront land that’s prime for residential, commercial, recreational, should lift up this state and lift up the city of Tasmania,” he said.
Rockliff is seeking to legislate the stadium into existence, avoiding standard planning assessments for the project, which includes $240 million in Commonwealth funding.
When pressed specifically about the planning process being circumvented, Albanese said he wants to see progress.
“Gee whiz,” he said.
“The process is a Tasmanian Government process. What I want to see is for urban redevelopment.”
“I have not had discussions with the Premier about the specifics of the proposal. That’s a matter for Tasmania.”
The Prime Minister voiced support for Tasmania’s AFL aspirations, noting the “amazing number of people” who have already signed up to support the proposed Tassie Devils team.
The plan for the new legislation has drawn mixed political support, with state Labor and Independent David O’Byrne backing the fast-track approach, while the Greens and other independents oppose it.
