State panned for strategic ‘babble’
A VISIONARY document setting out state infrastructure priorities for the next 30 years has been defended amid attacks that it was lacking substance and was full of “consultant babble”.
The State Government’s long-awaited 30-year infrastructure strategy, in a 65-page consultation draft format, was quietly released last week.
The report was due to be made public last year, but was released without fanfare and was uploaded to Infrastructure Tasmania’s website.
A new Tasman Bridge, a ferry with stops along the Derwent and an eastern bypass of Launceston were some of the big ticket items listed in the strategy.
It also proposed the Government take measures to encourage a more urban lifestyle, progress large-scale energy projects, and further plans for international airport connections.
In Question Time yesterday, Opposition Leader Rebecca White grilled Infrastructure and State Growth Minister Michael Ferguson over the strategy, claiming it fell short of expectations.
“The document is riddled with consultant babble and contains no mention of specific projects, funding, recommendations or White said.
“In fact, the document says ‘the strategy does not list specific projects or actions’.”
Mr Ferguson said he had informed Parliament about the strategy on Wednesday, in reference to a passing comment he made to Liberal colleague John Tucker.
“Far from quietly announcing it on a website, it has been sent to a range of stakeholders who have an interest in the long-term infrastructure that our state needs,’’ Mr Ferguson said. “They are going to be consulted now, because that is how it works.”
Ms White also quizzed Mr Ferguson about the document’s apparent entertaining of privatisations and toll roads to fund new infrastructure.
“I can say on behalf of Government that we are not time lines,’’ Ms privatising or introducing tolls, but we are looking for a genuine approach with the community over the longer term,’’ Mr Ferguson said.
Mr Ferguson accused Labor of mocking the work of those who had prepared the report.
Later in Question Time, Braddon Labor MP Shane Broad later described the strategy as “flat, lacklustre” and “a massive disappointment”. “There was an opportunity for this strategy to explore the state’s infrastructure challenges and propose long-term solutions that all sides of politics and all levels of government could get behind,’’ Dr Broad said. “Instead, it is full of weasel words and consultant babble.”
Mr Ferguson said the Government was investing $3.6 billion in infrastructure and had a strong pipeline of major projects.