The Tasmanian Parliamentary Liberal Party has expressed its strong opposition to the Walker Corporation plan for Ralphs Bay.  It’s a sure sign of how extreme the canal estate proposal is, that a pro-development party such as the Liberals would be so public and adamant about a ‘no’ position.  The story put Ralphs Bay on the front page once again.

Franklin MHR, Will Hodgman said the State Liberals have consulted extensively with the local residents, businesses and groups and it is absolutely clear the community is opposed to this type of development.

”The State Liberals, based on the strong view of the community, cannot support this type of development at Ralphs Bay in any way.

”This issue is about protecting our lifestyle and striking a sensible balance between appropriate development and preservation of our precious natural environment,” Mr Hodgman said.

It was a definitive statement.  On Ralphs Bay, at least, the Liberals and the Tasmanian Greens, particularly Franklin’s Nick McKim, largely agree.  So too, Harry Quick MP, Senator Paul Calvert, and Rumney Labor MLC, Lin Thorp and Duncan Kerr SC MP.

----- text of TAS Liberals release follows -------

Media Release

WILL HODGMAN, MHA
Liberal MHA for Franklin
Tuesday August 30, 2005

State Liberals draw line in the sand on Ralphs Bay development

Liberal MHA for Franklin, Will Hodgman today said that the State Liberals would not be supporting any type of development at Ralphs Bay such as that proposed by Walker Corporation.

Mr Hodgman said that the State Liberals had consulted extensively with the local residents, businesses and groups and it was absolutely clear that the community were opposed to this type of development.

“The State Liberals, based on the strong view of the community, cannot support this type of development at Ralphs Bay in any way,” Mr Hodgman said.

“We have listened to the community who have demonstrated their strong social, economic and environmental concerns about this type of development at Ralphs Bay and these views simply cannot be ignored.

“These concerns have changed little since the development plan was altered.

“This issue is about protecting our lifestyle and striking a sensible balance between appropriate development and preservation of our precious natural environment.

“Sadly for the local community, this Lennon Government has treated them with contempt over this major issue, working secretively and failing to consult with the people who will be affected most the residents.

“The Lennon Labor Government should stop playing games with the community on this issue and immediately scrap any plans for the development at Ralphs Bay.

“Premier Lennon and the other Franklin Labor MHAs, Ministers Wriedt and Giddings must end their secretive and arrogant approach today and rule out this type of development at Ralphs Bay once and for all,” Mr Hodgman said.