Today I will be signing a $50 million agreement with the Tasmanian Government for the remediation of the Macquarie Point Railyards in Hobart, to enable the site to reach its full potential.
The remediation of the 8.4 hectare site on the doorstep of Hobart’s CBD, is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to unlock and capture its economic, cultural and tourism potential.
It is rare for such a large public space to present itself in the heart of an established CBD and our priority is to make the very best use of this natural asset, so that it benefits the local community and visitors to this great city.
The remediation of the railyards will bring the site to the starting blocks for future development.
The redevelopment of the Brooke St Pier support structure is another key component of this project. The redeveloped Pier will be important for future vessel berthing as well as local ferry and cruise services.
Both projects have the power to expand not only Hobart’s economy but also its liveability.
Today’s announcement is the culmination of more than a year of representations by the Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, the Member for Franklin, Julie Collins, Labor Senators and the Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure, David O’Byrne.
Ultimately, the final decision on the use of the Macquarie Point site will be made by the people of Hobart and their elected representatives.
The $50 million funding agreement follows a recent grant from our Liveable Cities program to help fund the necessary planning groundwork. It takes us closer to achieving the goals of the Government’s National Urban Policy – a long- term blueprint to make the nation’s eighteen major cities even more productive, sustainable and liveable.