Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds has launched a scathing attack on Premier Jeremy Rockliff, accusing him of sticking “his head in the sand” over mounting concerns about the proposed Macquarie Point stadium.
The criticism comes after Rockliff announced plans to introduce special legislation to fast-track the controversial stadium project, bypassing normal planning processes.
“While he may want to stick his head in the sand and hope the issues with the stadium magically go away, we still have a choice of being informed and having our say,” Reynolds said.
Her comments follow the recent draft report by the Tasmanian Planning Commission that identified “a range of problems and many questions” about the stadium proposal.
Reynolds claimed the Premier had undermined the integrity of the planning panel by calling their report ‘biased’.
She urged her social media followers to read the report and make a submission to the Planning Commission before May 8.
Independent Nelson MLC Meg Webb joined the criticism, describing Rockliff’s strategy as a “clear admission” that the stadium was “so manifestly flawed it could not hope to pass the rules and standards of our regular planning system.”
However, industry groups have thrown their support behind the Premier’s move to fast-track the project.
Master Builders Tasmania CEO David Clerk described the stadium as “a lifeline for our industry and a catalyst for Tasmania’s future.”
“The project promises to create a huge number of jobs, with estimates suggesting well over 100 new apprenticeships alone,” Clerk said.
Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania boss Andrew Winch urged the parliament to “swiftly” approve the stadium legislation.
“A vibrant construction industry means more apprenticeships, better training, a stronger workforce and an economic boost for local Tasmania businesses,” he said.
The Labor opposition has backed the Liberal’s decision to push the stadium through via dedicated legislation.
