Rockliff must test the market on Wilkinsons Point

Premier Jeremy Rockliff must take Wilkinsons Point to the open market to make sure Tasmanians get the best deal for their land.

Labor supports development at Wilkinsons Point. We support jobs, investment, and better use of public land. But this is valuable Crown land owned by Tasmanians, and the Premier has failed to explain why one billionaire proponent should get exclusive access through an endless closed-door negotiation.

State Growth advised the Government to cease negotiations with LK Group and test the open market.

It also warned that activating the site could expose taxpayers to up to $100 million in costs, with no certainty of development and no guarantee of contribution from LK Group.

Despite that advice, Premier Rockliff is still bending over backwards for a billionaire while refusing to give Tasmanians basic guarantees about risk, value, and process.

Wilkinsons Point has previously been valued at around $6 million under its current recreational zoning. The Premier has been unable to say if the land is sold at one value, then rezoned or activated for a much higher-value development, Tasmanian taxpayers will realise the value.

• Would every other proponent receive the same treatment?
• Would every other developer get exclusive negotiations for years on end?
• Would every other developer get the benefit of taxpayer-funded infrastructure and a favourable rezoning change without an open market process?

After 13 years of Liberal waste, Tasmanians cannot afford another deal where Tasmanian taxpayers carry all the risk.

If this proposal is as strong as the Premier says, it should stand up to an open and competitive process.

Taking Wilkinsons Point to the market is the best way to protect taxpayers and make sure Tasmania gets full value for its land.

The Premier should stop hiding behind secret negotiations and give every potential proponent the same chance to deliver the best deal for Tasmania.