Ms O’CONNOR question to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE, Mr VINCENT
I have here a copy of the Macquarie Point Urban Redevelopment Federation funding agreement between the Commonwealth and the state of Tasmania. It has a number of milestones in it which have a deadline of June this year and we are in June. I am hoping to obtain some information from you on progress.
The first is that there be an agreement signed by the Commonwealth and Tasmanian government for the upgrade of Macquarie Wharf, Wharf 6, in line with the requirements in the schedule at additional terms 1(4) due in June 2025.
The second is the Commonwealth acceptance of the Macquarie Point Precinct Master Plan as prepared to implement the precinct plan. Do you have any knowledge of this, and can you confirm whether it is on track?
This may be a question for one of your colleagues, Mr Abetz or Mr Ellis; delivery of a finalised housing plan developed in consultation with the Commonwealth which gives effect to the requirements in this schedule of additional terms 1(6). I note that in this agreement there is no mention of the Macquarie Point Stadium.
ANSWER
Mr President, I thank the member for Hobart. Most of what you asked there does come under Mr Abetz, and I have not been involved with any of that contractual situation.
Ms O’Connor – Does Wharf 6 come under Mr Abetz?
Mr VINCENT – Wharf 6 comes under me as TasPorts. The money has been allocated. They are working through with the government on the finalisation of those parts of the upgrade to Wharf 6. I am just looking here at the notes, which I will just check over. The government is committed to developing world leading – we know that – and that is why the government’s welcome the $188 million. That does not come under that 30 June, but I had a meeting with TasPorts recently; they were close to having some more information on finalising that agreement for Wharf 6. I cannot think of anything else I have to add to that at this moment. I can check and come back to you.
Ms O’Connor – I am happy for you to do that but are you confirming that agreement to be signed between the Commonwealth and Tasmania is in the process of being finalised?
Mr VINCENT – I am unaware of the situation with the Macquarie Point one because it does not come under my ministry. I know TasPorts on their side of the thing with the $188 million are working with State Growth to finalise that part of the contract.
Ms O’Connor – The agreement signed between the Commonwealth and Tasmanian government; who represents the Tasmanian government in this agreement?
Mr VINCENT – Sorry, I did not quite get that.
Ms O’Connor – Who represents the Tasmanian government in the signing of the agreement with the Commonwealth? It is to the original question about the Wharf 6 upgrade.
Mr VINCENT – I will check and try to get that right for you.
Ms O’Connor – Thank you…
Mr VINCENT – TasPorts has gone out for expressions of interest in Wharf 6, and as of a few days ago, we are very pleased with the submissions that they had received to this point, but there is nothing signed or any further done on that. I do not believe that comes under June 30; I think it is later on in the year for the finalisation.
Ms O’Connor – It is in the agreement. It says June 2025.
Mr VINCENT – Certainly what they are working to is – and they may well have already started that, by the fact that they have expressions of interest into the construction of the wharf and the person to lead that project – but I will seek clarification there for you on those points.
Ms O’Connor – Yes. Who represents the state of Tasmania. Thank you, minister.
ANSWER TO QUESTION ON INDULGENCE
[2.52 p.m.]
Mr VINCENT (Prosser – Minister for Infrastructure) – Mr President, I have some further information for the member for Hobart’s question. Information has come in to help me with that. I have been advised that the Premier signed the Wharf 6 federal funding agreement with the Commonwealth on 10 February. Furthermore, I am advised that the milestones that were due by 30 June-July 2025 are well progressed and the term sheet between the state and TasPorts is currently being finalised as we speak.
