Labor raises doubts over progress at Macquarie Point

ACTION flagged for sewerage works at Macquarie Point by mid-2019 looks unlikely.

The sewerage works at Macquarie Point.

TASWATER documents show it spruiked a plan to relocate the Macquarie Point sewerage works by June next year, as funding for the major project remains up in the air.

An industry briefing from TasWater two years ago included a section titled Macquarie Point STP (sewerage treatment plant) Relocation, which indicated the plant would be relocated to Selfs Point by June 30, 2019.

The water and sewage utility has consistently said it would be unable to meet the $145 million price tag for the project, deemed necessary to unlock Macquarie Point’s full potential.

Funding commitments are yet to be made by the federal and state governments.

Labor infrastructure spokesman David O’Byrne said the situation was symbolic of the lack of action on the former railyard site.

“The Hodgman Government says it will spend a record amount on infrastructure, but not a cent of it will be directed to the critical water and sewerage infrastructure projects like this that are so badly needed,” Mr O’Byrne told the Mercury.

“The Macquarie Point project has stalled and the Liberals’ hands-off approach has cost over $10 million in inflated executive and board expenses that have not actually delivered anything.”

Figures revealed in estimates hearings show the Macquarie Point Development Corporation has spent $15 million of the $50 million allocated to it and the Brooke St Pier by the former Labor federal government in 2011.

Mr O’Byrne said little had been achieved at the 9.3ha site since.

“This is an organisation that is better staffed than a minister’s office,” he said.

State Growth Minister Peter Gutwein said the Government’s recent agreement with TasWater meant the treatment plant issue was being addressed.

Legislation has been flagged to advance development at the site and Macquarie Point Development Corporation chief Mary Massina said the treatment plant would not be an impediment, despite restrictive planning rules.

“There are a number of development applications that are in the process of being finalised,” Ms Massina said.