Heat on Antarctic push
IT is time for the government to show the public the business plan for the proposed Antarctic precinct at Macquarie Point, independent MP Kristie Johnston says.
In state parliament on Tuesday, Ms Johnston asked State Development, Construction and Housing Minister Guy Barnett why plans for an Antarctic precinct at the site appeared to have stalled.
“It’s really clear that it is time to lift the veil of secrecy when it comes to developing
this site. Tasmanians know that for a number of years now all we’ve seen is a herb garden and a carpark,’’ she said.
“We’ve had various master plans and at the heart of each master plan has been the Antarctic and science precinct but the corporation has failed to secure from either political party at the recent federal election any funding to see this plan come to fruition.
“It means that this site is probably going to sit idle for the next three years because the corporation hasn’t managed to secure funding.”
Mr Barnett said he was “prosecuting the plan with vigour” and the business case was ready.
“The Hobart City Deal is actually very important, it supports the development of a business case for an Antarctic and science precinct at Macquarie Point,” he told parliament.
“I’m advised that this business case has now been finalised, enabling the commonwealth government to make some key decisions about the next steps.
“I have already written to my counterparts, including Catherine King, the federal minister, and indicated the importance of the progress in this regard for Tasmania.
“We have a vision, we have a long-term vision for Greater Hobart and for Tasmania as the gateway to the Antarctic.
“There’s lots of opportunity and if you are without vision the people will perish, as the Good Book says, Mr Speaker. On the other side is no vision and no policy.”
Labor’s economic development spokesman Dean Winter said it appeared from Mr Barnett’s response the government wanted to move the entire Antarctic Division out of Kingston.
“Mr Barnett’s announcement in the parliament today foreshadows a bad move that would uproot up to 300 scientists, researchers and other workers from their purpose built facility at Kingston,” he said.
“Just because the Macquarie Point development is a mess and something has to be seen to be done, that should not be the catalyst for such a move. This move will make congestion for Kingborough and Huon Valley commuters worse, as a very high number of AAD staff live at Kingston and will only add to the already congested Southern Outlet.”