Stony Rise development saga is emblematic of broader problems, writes Ruth Forrest

The saga surrounding the proposed Stony Rise shopping centre development at Devonport is emblematic of broader governance failures in Tasmania. This issue, while centred on a specific project, exposes a troubling pattern of political expediency, the erosion of public trust, and a disregard for robust planning processes.

The Land Use Planning and Approvals (Stony Rise Development Approval) Bill 2024 overrides established planning processes that have been approved by the parliament including the important role of the Tasmanian Planning Commission, which refused the initial permit.

The bill was hotly contested, with supporters hailing it as essential infrastructure for the North-West and critics arguing it sets a dangerous precedent.

The TPC's rejection of the project was based on strategic planning principles policies designed to ensure orderly and consistent development. However, instead of addressing these policies through proper channels, the government chose to bypass the system altogether, undermining the integrity of the planning process and creating a precedent for ad hoc legislative intervention whenever a project faces hurdles.

Overlaying these legitimate concerns is the role of political donations in this decision. The developer, Tipalea Partners, has acknowledged making donations to members of the Tasmanian Liberal Party. While the identity of the recipients is not known, both the Minister for Planning and Premier have so far chosen not to reveal whether they received donations from the proponent at a time they were in charge of the bill and/or actively promoting it.

While donations to political parties are not inherently improper, they raise questions about undue influence particularly when those donations could be linked to bespoke legislative interventions benefiting the donor.

This underscores the urgent need for reforms similar to those in NSW, which prohibit political donations from property developers. Such measures are essential to safeguard public confidence in the integrity of government decision-making, particularly in the area of planning and development in our state.

Sadly, this state has seen too many failures of governance in recent times, demonstrated by the TT-Line vessel replacement debacle with a troubling disregard for transparency, accountability and professional judgment. As bad as that is, it's even more concerning if a dose of crony capitalism is added to the mix.

The abandonment of the mandatory cash card for poker machines may not have been an isolated event.

In the case of the Stony Rise development, the decision to override the TPC not only undermines the planning system but also creates an unstable environment for investors.

Businesses seek consistency, transparency and equitable treatment qualities that Tasmania's governance increasingly lacks. The perception of political interference and favouritism can actually deter investment and stifle economic growth.

Moreover, the government's actions send a message that strategic planning principles can be disregarded when they become inconvenient. This approach discourages public participation in planning processes and undermines the credibility of institutions like the TPC.

When Premier Jeremy Rockliff assumed office, he pledged to lead a government characterised by integrity, accountability and courage.

Yet, the handling of the Stony Rise development betrays this promise even if the project is needed and supported by the community.

Proper process is important. The ends do not justify the means. If strategic plans are outdated, they should be revised through proper processes not circumvented through ad hoc legislation.

A government in the murky shadow of political donations, which prioritises expediency over principle, opacity over transparency, willingly sidesteps proper processes, will only diminish public trust and undermine democracy.

Tasmania must also address broader governance failures that have allowed such issues to fester.

This includes strengthening oversight, which is contemplated in the Government Business Governance Report draft plan currently out for public consultation. Establishing independent bodies to review major government-funded projects and ensure compliance with best practices is crucial.

The state needs to take real and meaningful action to enhance transparency, including the release of information related to public funding and planning decisions, and penalise attempts to obstruct accountability.

And, most importantly, implement stricter laws to prevent the perception or reality of undue influence in government decision making through political donations.

The Stony Rise Bill is not just about a shopping centre; it is a failure of the government's commitment to good governance.

The Mercury, 4 December 2024