Premier Jeremy Rockliff has confirmed he has sought advice on ways to potentially bypass the Project of State Significance (POSS) process for Hobart’s Macquarie Point stadium.
Speaking in Parliament today, Rockliff said he spoke to his department about possible options outside the current assessment, which is being run by the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC).
Under the current process, the commission will hand down a final report in September. After that, MPs will get a vote on whether the stadium goes ahead.
“I am considering all options,” Rockliff said. “Given the significance of this project for Tasmania and Tasmanians, yes I have sought advice. And why wouldn’t I?”
“We’re committed to the process that we’re going through now and at the end of the day, post-process or enabling legislation, this Parliament will have its say.”
Responding to jeers, Rockliff stood firm in his backing of the stadium.
“It’s a building on a wasteland with sewage works next to it,” he said. “I mean seriously, seriously, it’s a huge opportunity for Tasmania.”
“Why wouldn’t I be looking at all options around this project?”
Labor supports the project going through the existing process, but has raised concerns about any move to sidestep the POSS framework.
Public submissions on the TPC’s draft planning assessment close on May 8.
