Tasmania State Government’s plans to fast-track Macquarie Point urban renewal project, AFL stadium

The state government plans to fast-track the proposed Macquarie Point urban renewal project - which includes the AFL stadium - but insists the public will get to have their say. DETAILS >

The state government plans to fast-track the proposed Macquarie Point urban renewal project - which includes the AFL stadium - but insists the public will get to have their say.

It will be nominated as a Major Project under controversial legislation which passed parliament in 2020 and will take the decision on its future away from the Hobart City Council and into the hands of an expert panel.

Designs of what Hobart's new AFL stadium at Macquarie Point could look like. Picture: AFL

The new Bridgewater Bridge was the first project fast-tracked under the legislation.

State Development Minister Guy Barnett said the government had received advice on the most appropriate planning assessment pathway and after the updated Masterplan for the site was developed, it would be nominated for declaration as a Major Project.

He said before declaring a major project, in accordance with the statutory process, the Planning Minister would consult with a range of interested parties.

“If declared, the project would then be assessed by an independent expert panel appointed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission and at arms-length from government.

Macquarie Point Stadium views as to how a stadium would be seen on site. Picture: Liminal Architecture

“In effect, Major Projects takes the politics out (of) the decision-making and allows a development proposal to be assessed on its merits against the requirements of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act and our Resource Management and Planning System.

“Tasmanians can be assured that if declared a major project that there would be an independent process that is rigorous and which provides genuine opportunities for community engagement.”

Under the Major Projects process, the Macquarie Point urban renewal project, like the Bridgewater Bridge, would not come before Parliament or council for approval.

Mr Barnett said Major Projects was a statutory planning process under the LUPA Act that contained various opportunities for public input, including during the development of the assessment criteria and during consideration of the Major Project Impact Statement.

“It is a process that has already demonstrated its integrity and effectiveness during the assessment and approval of the $786m new Bridgewater Bridge project, the biggest transport infrastructure project in this State’s history,” he said.

Macquarie Point Stadium views as to how a stadium would be seen on site. Picture: Liminal Architecture

Labor leader Rebecca White last week expressed concerns that the project could be fast-tracked despite not being taken to the last election.

“I must say it was strange to read Ms White’s recent comments in relation to the Major Projects assessment process – which was supported by Labor in both Houses of Parliament not so long ago. If this type of infrastructure project doesn’t go through this process what is the purpose of it?” Mr Barnett said.

Under a previous Labor government the Bell Bay pulp mill and Ralph’s Bay marina development were both assessed as projects of state significance but neither went ahead.

Mr Barnett said images of the stadium released on Friday were concept images “only showing indicative footprint and sight lines, not how it will look”.

“We are scoping designs that will be uniquely Tasmanian, iconic, utilizing local materials that demonstrate our green credentials.

“It will draw people to Tasmania in its own right in much the same way as MONA has.”