Federal Election 2019: Labor loss leaves Mona development in doubt, says David Walsh

Mona founder David Walsh says the Labor Party’s election loss leaves the future of his proposed $466 million hotel development in doubt.

MONA founder David Walsh says the Labor Party’s election loss leaves the future of Mona’s proposed $466 million hotel development in doubt.

Labor had pledged $50 million to the public facilities planned as part of Mona’s proposed $466 million hotel development at Berriedale during the election campaign, but the Liberal Party is on track to win majority government after Saturday’s election.

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Mr Walsh says he was not sure what the election result means for the development yet.

“I will only build something that is Mona-level, there won’t be any compromise, so there may be a long delay, it now might not happen or, perhaps, we might find another method to bridge the gap in our funding,” Mr Walsh said in a statement.

MONA founder and owner David Walsh. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

“In the meantime, Mona as an art museum and tourist facility will keep developing.”

Opposition leader Bill Shorten stopped in Hobart on the campaign trail last month to pledge the $50 million for public facilities at Mona if Labor won power.

Mona has submitted a development application for a $400 million, five star, 176-room hotel to be built on the Berriedale peninsula, which includes a 1075-seat theatre, an outdoor stage and a conference centre for up to 1600 people. Picture: SUPPLIED

Public spaces in Mona’s development include a convention centre, theatre, library, auditorium and playgrounds.