Elise Archer MP

Will Hodgman MP
Leader of the State Opposition
Elise Archer MP
Shadow Minister for Planning
Friday, 20 August 2010

Mr Hodgman said:

After years of inertia and mismanagement of the waterfront by Labor, the Master Plan has finally emerged. 

The much anticipated announcement is overshadowed by the Premier’s complete failure to be open, transparent and accountable with regard to the transfer of publicly owned buildings and his inability to properly consult with those who live, work and conduct business in one of Tasmania’s most significant locations.

With regard to Princes Wharf Shed Number 2, despite assurances of transparency and proper process from the Premier, no competitive tender process has been entered into and it appears a deal has been signed behind closed doors.

While not surprising, it is extremely disappointing that the Premier has once again chosen to continue his pattern of secrecy and special deals for special mates.

David Bartlett is completely incapable of acting with integrity, fulfilling his commitment to transparency and now another public asset is set to be given away without proper scrutiny, without a competitive process and without adequate community consultation.

Ms Archer said:

The years of delay in developing the Master Plan has stifled development on the waterfront, wasted millions of dollars on the Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority which duplicated the work of the Hobart City Council and has failed to provide a tangible working document for planning in the area.

We needed the Master Plan to be aspirational, but we also expected to see a practical and workable document; this seems to be a plan to develop a plan. 

We need solutions provided within an implementation plan to combat the numerous foreseeable problems such as traffic management, transport and parking, and this document simply does not deliver any of this.

This is a plan for more plans. Unfortunately, this is a plan that sees the government give away more public buildings in a hugely significant area without proper process and transparent process. This is a plan that shows David Bartlett is completely without any substance.