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Ralphs Bay development designation 'a betrayal'

Posted July 6, 2006 15:29:00

The Tasmanian Greens are outraged by plans to declare a $300 million development at Ralphs Bay a project of state significance.

In Parliament today Premier Paul Lennon said Walker Corporation had submitted a fresh plan for a marina and housing development.

The company withdrew an earlier proposal last year after strong political and community opposition.

The Greens' Nick McKim has described the move as a massive betrayal.

"Labor, in the form of Paul Lennon, Lara Giddings and Paula Wriedt are effectively saying 'stuff you' to the people who live in Lauderdale and down south," he said.

"[They're] saying that now we have got re-elected we are going to ignore your wishes and proceed with the project that we know you don't want."

The Premier has dismissed the Greens' concerns, describing the party as anti-development.

"We know on this side of the House ... that the Greens don't care about jobs, they don't care about people looking for work, and they're not interested ... in trying to help build a better lifestyle and quality of life for the wider Tasmanian community," Mr Lennon said.

The Save Ralphs Bay Group has not ruled out court action to try to prevent the new application.

The group's Cassie O'Connor says the Government's announcement is a slap in the face for the community.

"There's a community that felt it had won an important victory for the environment for those values that go beyond money and we have been totally and utterly betrayed," she said.

Tags: regional-development, urban-development-and-planning, states-and-territories, lauderdale-7021

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