The Liberals are continuing to push ahead with the stadium despite advice from independent planning experts recommending against it, releasing a draft Order to MPs. It’s one of the most shocking misuses of the planning system this state has ever seen.
The Tasmanian Planning Commission was unequivocal – the stadium should not be built. It will simply cost Tasmanians too much, with taxes having to be upped or services cut to pay off the debt.
The Liberals’ so-called response to the Planning Commission was little more than an exercise in propaganda. Their glossy document repeated the same old arguments they’ve been running for months. The Planning Commission has clearly rejected them.
It’s certainly no help to MPs, now being asked to consider the stadium Order. There’s a lot of questions that need to be answered about the Order, and a lot of work that needs to be done on it. It’s an insult to Parliamentarians.
As confirmed by Minister Abetz, there won’t be a chance to amend the stadium Order in Parliament. So much for the democratic process the Premier has been extolling.
This government isn’t listening to the experts, or Tasmanians. Their arrogance knows no bounds. They’re pushing forward, using the very planning process that has recommended against the stadium. It’s a shocking affront to the principles of good planning.
It’s now up to MPs. Will they accept the Liberals’ dodgy stadium plan on nothing more than a wing and a prayer? Or will they take a different path to the Rockliff Government and put Tasmanians first? The public expects no less.
