Hobart Lord Mayor wants action on Macquarie Wharf business case
Macquarie Wharf is in urgent need of upgrades, but it will come with a hefty price tag. Months after concerns were raised, a business case is yet to be lodged. What the mayor says >>
Tasmania
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There are concerns the importance of proposed upgrades to Macquarie Wharf could be lost in the conversation around a new stadium, with TasPorts yet to submit a business case for the project.
In August it was revealed work to strengthen the port were needed to accommodate both Antarctic vessels and cruise ships.
The Tasmanian Polar Network told the Mercury at the time a significant part of wharves five and six had degraded, meaning its load limit was just under 50 per cent.
It’s estimated upgrades would come at a cost of $240m.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds was concerned a business case had not been considered months on from the project being identified as a priority by Infrastructure Australia.
“These port repairs and upgrades are urgent essential infrastructure for Hobart, Tasmania and the nation,” Ms Reynolds said.
“It’s been made very clear by the Antarctic sector that a dedicated polar wharf is needed and if the port is not fixed soon they may have to look elsewhere to base the new national icebreaker, RSV Nuyina.
“Imagine if Hobart lost our mantle as Australia’s Antarctic Gateway? That would be devastating to our brand and the Antarctic science and logistics sector worth at least $160m per year.”
Ms Reynolds said action needed to be taken.
“The process of putting together a business case for the port upgrade began in March 2021 when this was identified as priority national infrastructure,” she said.
“It is an urgent priority to get the business case finished and delivered to Canberra by the Premier and TasPorts Chair as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile as the state government makes its case for a stadium at Macquarie Point, Ms Reynolds was concerned the talks could overshadow the bid for the wharf upgrades.
“I’m concerned that this essential infrastructure project could be downplayed in discussions with Canberra, when compared to the stadium ask that’s also being prosecuted at the moment,” Ms Reynolds said.
“Both requests are for similar amounts of federal government funding. Can both be funded or is there a risk that one will compromise the other?”
TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said project briefings were schedules this month.
“These briefings will complement the site tour and briefing provided to the IA team last year,” Mr Donald said.
“In addition, ongoing discussions will continue with port users in relation to the proposed project and associated commercial agreements.
“TasPorts has finalised a very exciting project opportunity for the redevelopment of the Macquarie Wharves 4, 5 and 6. This project remains a high priority for the business, our port users and the broader Hobart community.
“TasPorts will provide further details on this exciting project as soon as practical.”
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Originally published as Hobart Lord Mayor wants action on Macquarie Wharf business case
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