New PM Scott Morrison commits to City Deal to transform capital

NEW Prime Minister Scott Morrison has committed his Government’s support for the Hobart City Deal, which was the brainchild of his predecessor Malcolm Turnbull.

NEW Prime Minister Scott Morrison has committed his Government’s support for the Hobart City Deal, which was the brainchild of his predecessor Malcolm Turnbull.

“I remain committed to progressing a Hobart City Deal,” Mr Morrison said in a statement to the Mercury.

And last night, Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge reinforced the commitment, saying; “The Australian Government is working with the Tasmanian Government and the Hobart, Kingborough, Glenorchy and Clarence councils to develop the City Deal, in consultation with key stakeholders.”

But hopes the deal would be done by the end of the year look doubtful.

The amount of money to be involved is also unknown.

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Elements of a Hobart City Deal include a $400 million University of Tasmania STEM centre, a light rail system and modern public transport as well as redevelopment of Macquarie Point, including an Antarctic Precinct.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Picture: AAP/Dean Lewins

Other goals include options to support affordable housing and establishing a Greater Hobart Act to foster collaboration between the state government and the Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart and Kingborough councils

Independent federal MP for Denison Andrew Wilkie met Mr Morrison in Sydney yesterday.

“We canvassed a broad range of issues and, in particular, the Hobart City Deal,” Mr Wilkie said.

“It doesn’t appear that the change of Prime Minister last week has derailed a City Deal.

“Mr Morrison said he was committed to honouring the agreement, signed by his predecessor, although the exact detail is something being worked on by the new minister Alan Tudge.”

Mr Wilkie said he believed there would be real progress before the next federal election, due in May.

“I will continue to press both the Prime Minister and Mr Tudge to make sure the City Deal stays on track,” he said. “But I can’t do this alone, and so Premier Will Hodgman and all the Liberal senators need to step up and do their part as well.”

Mayors of the four councils wrote to Mr Tudge about the City Deal on Wednesday.

Hobart Lord Mayor Ron Christie welcomed the advice from Mr Morrison’s office.

“It is good news for Hobart and I look forward to continuing discussions with Minister Tudge and I would love it to be signed by the end of the year,” Ald Christie said.

Mr Hodgman said the Government had invested significantly in Tasmania, and he expected that to continue under Mr Morrison.

“We have already delivered a city deal for Launceston, which is driving positive economic and social benefits, and we look forward to continuing the work already under way on the Hobart deal,” Mr Hodgman said

The City Deal covers federal electorates held by Mr Wilkie and Franklin Labor MP Julie Collins.