Tasmania’s treasurer has brushed off concerns from the Greens about electricity infrastructure for the Macquarie Point stadium, accusing the party of creating ‘stumbling blocks’ to delay the project.
Eric Abetz told parliament on Thursday that planning for the power supply was progressing alongside stadium construction, rejecting calls to pause major contracts.
Greens deputy leader Vica Bayley used question time to press the government about a new substation required for the precinct, citing documents obtained under right-to-information laws.
The documents show TasNetworks had proposed three possible locations for a 1,650-square-metre substation, including one beside the stadium that could affect pedestrian access.
Bayley asked whether the government would hold off on major contracts until the electricity supply issue was resolved.
“No,” Abetz replied.
The treasurer said TasNetworks was reviewing electrical capacity across the CBD, describing it as “business as usual” work that would be required for any major development.
He said it would support the CBD, Port of Hobart wharf upgrades and the broader Macquarie Point site.
“Irrespective of what would have occurred at Macquarie Point, this sort of an upgrade for the electrical works would have been required,” he said.
“I assume it would have even been required for the Greens’ favourite Eden Project at the time, which would have been even higher than the stadium.”
Abetz said the stadium, supported by a majority of parliament, would continue.
“Please don’t put up every single possible stumbling block to delay, because every single day will cost the Tasmanian taxpayer,” he told the Greens.
The Macquarie Point Development Corporation said power planning had informed the delivery timeline rather than delayed it.
TasNetworks planning remains in the early stages, with no final option selected or costed.
The stadium, approved by the upper house in December, is expected to be operational by late 2029.
