Mr BAYLEY question to MINISTER for MACQUARIE POINT URBAN RENEWAL, Mr ABETZ
[10.25 a.m.]
An RTI by the Greens to TasNetworks has exposed significant unanswered questions about the electricity supply for the Macquarie Point stadium. One critical question is about the new substation that TasNetworks has made clear is required to be built for the project. The estimated size of the substation is 50 metres by 30 metres. That large footprint has meant that there are only three options where it can go: one is on the Mac Point site, but that would obstruct access to the stadium; one is on land owned by the Baha’i Centre, which has previously made clear that it wants to keep its land; and the last is owned by the Hobart City Council, and it has identified threatened flora and heritage issues. Given the significance of this issue, will you commit to not signing any major contracts for the stadium until the electricity supply issue is resolved to TasNetworks’ satisfaction?
ANSWER
Honourable Speaker, I can make that answer exceptionally short by saying no. I will provide some extra information for the honourable member and that is to indicate that TasNetworks is reviewing the electrical supply arrangements for the CBD overall. This work includes considering when a capacity increase will be required to support additional needs for the CBD for the wharf upgrades at the Port of Hobart and the future activation of the full, and I underline full, Macquarie Point site. This is business as usual for TasNetworks looking to the future. Irrespective of what would have occurred at Macquarie Point, this sort of upgrade for the electrical works would have been required in any event. I assume it would have even been required for the Greens favourite Eden Project at the time, which would have been even higher than the stadium.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER – Order, I ask the House to settle. The only one who has the call right now is the Deputy Leader of the Greens. I ask all interjections to cease, please.
Supplementary Question
Mr BAYLEY – A supplementary question, Speaker?
THE SPEAKER – I will hear the supplementary question.
Mr BAYLEY – TasNetworks has made it really clear that a substation upgrade is required, and Macquarie Point Development Corporation (MPDC) has agreed with that. Do you not agree that resolving these issues is critically important ahead of signing any major construction contracts for the stadium?
Mr ABETZ – Honourable Speaker, quite young in life, I learnt how to chew gum and walk at the same time. I reckon the Macquarie Point Development Corporation, along with TasNetworks, are able to do both of those things in tandem. I have no desire to delay that which you guys in the Greens don’t want. I get that and I accept that. Please don’t put up every single possible stumbling block to delay because, you know that every single day’s delay will cost the Tasmanian taxpayer, which is something I don’t want to see. This House has voted for and in favour of the stadium. We will keep pursuing that.
Dr Woodruff – We’re not going to stop scrutinising.
THE SPEAKER – Dr Woodruff, this is your second warning.
Mr ABETZ – Matters electrical, sewer, water, whatever, will all be worked out as we keep on with the project.
