Hobart City Council passes planning scheme amendments that would pave way for Macquarie Point development
The Macquarie Point master plan is a step closer to being realised after the Hobart City Council unanimously voted in favour of the proposed amendments.
Politics
Don't miss out on the headlines from Politics. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE planning scheme amendments that would pave the way for the Macquarie Point development to proceed have passed their final council hurdle.
Hobart City Council on Monday night voted unanimously to support the reset master plan.
The proposed amendments will be sent to the Tasmanian Planning Commission for assessment. The Commission will provide advice to State Growth Minister Peter Gutwein within 21 days on whether the amendments fit within the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act, state planning policies and the Southern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy.
It is hoped the amendments to the Sullivans Cove Planning Scheme will be through the Commission early next financial year. The Minister, after considering representation and the Commission’s advice, may approve the amendments to the planning scheme.
He will then direct the Commission to prepare the amendments to the planning scheme within 14 days.
The new planning rules would give the community and investors certainty and clarity as to how development could proceed on the site.
Macquarie Point Development Corporation chief executive Mary Massina said she was delighted with the important step forward.
“We look forward to moving forward when the planning rules have been approved with the infrastructure to support the removal of waste water treatment plant and the acceptance from the community for an Antarctic and science precinct,” she said.
The amount of residential area within the prime 9ha waterfront site was again a contentious topic for council.
HOUSING STICKING POINT FOR MACQUARIE POINT REVAMP
Alderman Tanya Denison attempted to move an amendment for council to support a maximum area of 43,000 sqm for residential development, rather than the proposed 15,000 sqm. That motion was lost in a tied 4-4 vote.
Ald Denison said Mac Point was an area that could accommodate housing and it wouldn’t be right to reduce the maximum.
Ald Marti Zucco said it would be detrimental not to have a higher maximum as there could be a vast interest for housing at the site.
Govt may rent out new ferries: Winter
Two new Spirit of Tasmania ferries could be leased out because of delays to berth upgrades in Devonport preventing the vessels from docking, Labor claims. Here’s the government’s response.
Dealmaker: PM talks up Premier
‘Western Australia wanted to pinch our port. We wouldn’t let that happen’: Federal Labor were full of praise for Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff and his advocacy on behalf of Tasmania.