Kangaroo Bay: Clarence Council says Chambroad should put off major projects bid
A second bid for the proposed Kangaroo Bay Hotel to be assessed as a major project should be put on hold, the Clarence Council mayor says. Here’s why.
Tasmania
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Clarence Council mayor, Brendan Blomeley, says a bid for the proposed Kangaroo Bay Hotel to be assessed as a major project should be put on hold until its clear whether the council can buy back the waterfront land.
The project was rejected by the council last year, after developer, Chambroad, failed to substantially commence a previously approved iteration on time.
Chambroad is currently locked in a court dispute with the council, which is trying to force the company to sell the land back.
The company has previously sought to have its development assessed as a major project, a move which would bypass the council approval process and allow it to be assessed by an independent panel, but it was ruled ineligible.
As Chambroad makes a second attempt for the project to receive major project status, the council has asked that the court proceedings play out first.
“The assessment of the proposal will involve considerable public funds and resources being
consumed and in the event Clarence City Council is successful in buying the land back, it will be a waste of resources at a state and local government level,” Mr Blomeley said.
“Council remains committed to buying back the land and will update the community when it can during this process.”
Mr Blomeley said he did not believe the second proposal qualified as a major project.
Kangaroo Bay project director Greg Hudson has previously said it would argue the council has no right to buy back the land.
On Wednesday he said a decision on the legal proceedings could be years away.
“Chambroad wants to build the hotel and bring economic benefit and prosperity to the Clarence municipality and the whole southern region of Tasmania,” he said.
“The land is owned by Chambroad, not the Council. Chambroad has the legal right as landowners to do with the land as it wishes.”
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Originally published as Kangaroo Bay: Clarence Council says Chambroad should put off major projects bid
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