Predictably, the Liberal party came under verbal fire.  The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Damon Thomas criticised the Liberals’ position as sending an anti-development message.  Then, in media releases issued just minutes apart this afternoon, Clarence Councillor, Brendan Blomeley, and Premier, Paul Lennon, took aim.

Alderman Blomeley sent out a statement on council letterhead condemning his state Liberal brethren.  “It is extremely disappointing when it is difficult to tell the difference between the Tasmanian Greens and the State Liberals,” Mr Blomeley huffed.

“The development will lead to greatly needed infrastructure upgrades in the areas of sewerage, water and roads. Not to mention substantial benefits that will flow in the form of jobs, tourism and increased investment in the City of Clarence,” claimed Alderman Blomeley.

While he conveniently overlooks the fact that sewerage, water and roads are local and state government responsibilities, Save Ralphs Bay Inc is pleased Alderman Blomeley has chosen this time to declare his hand.  He has become an advocate for Walker Corporation, supporting a proposal which the broader Clarence community has rejected in four separate community polls.

Council elections in October this year will be an opportunity for residents to decide whether they want their coastline managed by community-sensitive, consensus-driven people, or, by the development-at-any-cost faction on council.

Under our Constitution, Save Ralphs Bay Inc is committed to raising awareness about the dangers of insensitive development, not just at Ralphs Bay, but along our entire unspoiled coastline.  On this issue, local, state and federal political candidates for office will be held to account for their views by SRB Inc, on behalf of the broad, concerned community we represent.

- - - - text of Alderman Blomeley’s media release follows - - - -

State Liberals “jump the gun” on Ralphs Bay

Clarence Alderman Brendan Blomeley today expressed his disappointment at the State Liberals decision not to support “any type of development at Ralphs Bay”.

“Currently, the Walker Corporation are seeking to have their proposal for Lauderdale Quay enter an assessment process,” Alderman Blomeley said.

“On the face of it, the proposed development at Ralphs Bay and the creation of Lauderdale Quay will provide many benefits to the Lauderdale community,” said Alderman Blomeley.

“The development will lead to greatly needed infrastructure upgrades in the areas of sewerage, water and roads. Not to mention substantial benefits that will flow in the form of jobs, tourism and increased investment in the City of Clarence,” Alderman Blomeley said.

“The Walker Corporation have invested a great deal in getting the project to this stage and they ought to receive a fair go from all sides of the political spectrum,” said Alderman Blomeley.

“The Independent Planning Assessment process is the most rigorous assessment process that the State can deliver. If the proposal proceeds, the process will ensure that all stakeholders have an opportunity to contribute to the process and in so doing, shape the guidelines,” Alderman Blomeley said.

“It is extremely disappointing when it is difficult to tell the difference between the Tasmanian Greens and the State Liberals”, Alderman Blomeley concluded.

ENDS. 30.08.05

FOR INFORMATION: ALDERMAN BRENDAN BLOMELEY 0408 354 684