‘Going nowhere fast’ on City Deal
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THE Hobart City Deal’s first progress report shows projects going nowhere fast, says Labor.
Released on Friday, the annual progress report for the $887m Hobart City Deal provides a snapshot of advancements made on the City Deal’s key focus areas, one year into the 10-year plan.
State and federal government ministers have spruiked the steps taken thus far under the deal including the geotechnical work for the new Bridgewater Bridge, pre-construction work on the new Hobart Airport Interchange, and the start of a business case for the Macquarie Point Antarctic and Science Precinct.
But the progress has been criticised by Labor, with claims the City Deal has so far been “all talk and no action”.
“The government is out celebrating the first year of the
Hobart City Deal, when all the progress report shows is another year of projects going nowhere fast,” Labor infrastructure spokesman Shane Broad said.
“Projects outlined in the deal, including the Macquarie Point redevelopment and Bridgewater Bridge replacement, are fodder for cartoonists and comedians, with continual relaunches but little or no real progress.”
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said she wanted to see more progress on public transport projects but said progress work done this year would be a good foundation.
“The collaborative discussions and investigations have provided a strong foundation for projects that will help us recover and thrive,” she said.
“We’ve also established a Smart Cities Working Group for all levels of government to collectively explore further investment and economic opportunities for the region.”
Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson said all tiers of government were meeting their individual City Deal commitments.
“There is always cynicism around individual projects but the simple reality is, we’re delivering,” he said.
james.kitto@news.com.au