Labor signals support for major project laws

A controversial new major projects legislation is likely to become law after Labor signalled their in-principle support, angering the Greens and those against the projects. LATEST >>

Labor leader Rebecca White during parliament. Picture Chris Kidd

LABOR says it is likely to support major projects legislation being introduced to state parliament.

The new law will apply to projects which are high value or complex or identified as being of major significance — raising fears it will be used to rubber stamp controversial projects like the Mt Wellington cable car and the Westbury Prison development.

Opponents of the legislation say it will lead to developments being taken out of the hands of councils and rubber stamped by unelected expert panels.

MAJOR PROJECTS THE FOCUS OF NEW LAWS

Labor leader Rebecca White said her party was waiting to see how the draft legislation changed as a result of public consultation, but was likely to support it.

“At this stage our position is to support the Major Projects Bill but we certainly look forward to reading all of the submissions that have been made and understanding what the final bill looks like once tabled in the parliament, because it may change from what’s been circulated in draft form,” Ms White said.

RECOVERY DEPENDS ON WELL PLANNED MAJOR PROJECTS

New artists impressions of the proposed cable car on kunanyi/Mt Wellington. Image: MWCC

“We hope through the public consultation process that’s been undertaken by the government, the feedback from the community can be fed into the final design of the bill.

“That is certainly the reason why that consultation took place that, the government should listen to those submissions and make sure that’s reflected in the final design of the bill.”

Labor’s decision indicates that the bill is more likely the pass through the Legislative Council, where the party has four members and the Liberals two in the 15-member chamber.

Premier Peter Gutwein said the final form of the bill would be introduced to parliament in the coming weeks.

“My expectation is the bill, once we’ve considered all that feedback, will be introduced in a later parliamentary sitting, possibly the end of this month, but definitely in the spring session. Obviously we’re working through the feedback contest that’s been received.

TASMANIAN MAJOR PROJECT POWER SHIFT NOT ON

Greens planning spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff was angered by the announcement.

“While this will shock Tasmanians – especially those who voted for Labor, thinking they would stand up for communities having a say over their place – it’s unsurprising they have reverted to type,” she said.

“This is Labor at its worst. We saw their about face with pokies, now it’s Major Projects.

“Our message to Labor supporters on the East Coast and in Westbury, facing a Cambria Green or a northern prison, is the Greens won’t fold. We won’t walk away from their right to have a say, to appeal a decision and to keeping politics out of planning.”