macq point

Macquarie Point is set to clear its waste water treatment plant hurdle.

Millions of dollars of investment and job creating potential will finally be unlocked with the relocation of Macquarie Point’s waste water treatment facility now possible within four years.

The government has confirmed the plant will be decommissioned.

Minister for State Growth Peter Gutwein said legislation would be introduced into Parliament next month to outline a clear plan for the development of the site that was faithful to Mona’s 2050 vision – a $2 billion project that includes light rail stations, hotel, convention centre, Antarctic facilities, a Reconciliation art park and fire and light installations.

However, he said there were no silver bullets to fix the waste water situation.

“Instead, we have been working hard with TasWater to develop a solution,” Mr Gutwein said.

“The preliminary talks have been extremely positive and we believe that working with TasWater we will have a final plan for decommissioning the waste water treatment plant as soon as possible.

“I have written to TasWater regarding this project and a number of other major projects and that letter has been circulated to councils in the interests of transparency and full disclosure ahead of the council vote later this month.

“The State Government is prepared to make additional funding available to assist TasWater to decommission and relocate the Macquarie Point wastewater treatment plant subject to a funding model being developed that is acceptable to TasWater, its local Government owners and the State.

“The State’s contribution would be in addition to the $200 million equity contribution set out in the MoU.

“Furthermore together with TasWater we are of the view that subject to the funding plan being agreed, the plant would be removed within around four years allowing the MacPoint site to be developed fully without this inhibiting factor.

“Moving the waste water treatment plant will clear the way for Macquarie Point to reach its full potential, unlock massive investments into the State, create jobs and deliver a nationally unique site for the community.”