Tick for access to Mac Point
THE Hobart City Council has unanimously voted for the development of an access road at Macquarie Point to go ahead, despite fears voiced by the mayor of a neighbouring council over the proposal.
Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston met with members of the Hobart City Council in an “unusual briefing” prior to last night’s HCC meeting to discuss her concerns.
Ald Johnston told the Mercury the proposed road development would prevent the rail corridor from continuing through Macquarie Point to access the CBD.
However, an amendment was moved by the Hobart City Council to ensure a condition would be included requiring the corridor be retained.
MPDC chief executive Mary Massina confirmed the proposed road would not infringe or impact on the public transport corridor easement.
“The government has been clear that the proposed public transit corridor, as well as the easement through the north of the site, will be preserved,” she said.
Ms Massina said amendments to the Sullivans Cove Planning Scheme 1997 related to Macquarie Point had been approved by council and the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
“Both sets of approvals encompassed the acknowledgment of an easement of 24 metres allocated for a transport corridor and the provision of the public road infrastructure, of which the road and pedestrian provision will take up only 10 metres,’’ she said.
“The Northern Suburbs Mass Transit Study, which is currently being developed through the Department of State Growth, will contribute to the corporation’s sustainable transit policy and plan.”
She said she was glad the development application had been supported.
Alderman Jeff Briscoe said the situation with Glenorchy City Council was unprecedented, as was discussing the development application in such an “unusual briefing”.
“It’s strange that the mayor of the neighbouring council got involved. It is very unusual,” he said.
Ald Behrakis said the application was compliant with the planning scheme and did not impede any future rail project.
Federal Member for Clark Andrew Wilkie said the community would be concerned at the “argy-bargy” over whether the road would prevent construction of a light rail system.
Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said it was disappointing to see so much “needless bickering” over vital infrastructure projects that had previously had support at all levels of government.