Andrew Wilkie calls on Premier Will Hodgman to fix ‘shambolic’ Mac Point process

THE Premier has been called on to personally intervene to get the Macquarie Point redevelopment project back on track.

The cost to decommission and move the sewerage works at Macquarie Point has blown out to as much as $145 million.

THE time has come for Premier Will Hodgman to intervene to get the Macquarie Point redevelopment project back on track, Denison MP Andrew Wilkie says.

“I have written to the Premier today calling on him to personally intervene to fix the shambolic situation at Macquarie Point,” Mr Wilkie said.

Independent Denison MP Andrew Wilkie. Picture: KIM EISZELE

The Mercury reported recently that the cost of removing the sewerage works from the Macquarie Point had blown out to $130-145 million.

MORE: SEWAGE COST BLOWOUT

“While I was pleased to secure funding for this redevelopment, the fact is that over four years later virtually nothing has happened and we are still arguing about things like sewerage removal. These problems should have been fixed a long time ago,” he said.

“What is needed is a whole-of-government approach. The Premier needs to show some leadership and get the heads of the Macquarie Point Development Corporation, TasWater, TasPorts and all other relevant bodies in a room with him and insist on a solution.

“The State Government can’t keep dragging its heels and palming this off to Liz Jack and the Macquarie Point Development Corporation alone.

“This is an enormous project and to leave it up to one agency to do it all themselves and negotiate with other Government agencies is a ridiculous approach.”

The Federal Government provided $45 million towards the development in 2012 and $5 million to the Brooke St Pier project.

The $130 million cost would cover the decommissioning of the Macquarie Point sewerage works and the upgrading of the existing facility at Selfs Point.

The State Government has been approached for a response.

Originally published as Andrew Wilkie calls on Premier Will Hodgman to fix ‘shambolic’ Mac Point process