All such decisions are subject to potential appeals to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) but, at the expiry of the statutory 14-day appeals period, no appeals had been lodged.
That is not to say that there are no further procedural approvals to be gained and information to be provided.
For example, before construction can commence, the Crown requires the Council to undertake further investigation concerning Little Penguins, nesting shorebirds, and the Green and Gold Bell Frog. When the investigation work is completed, consent to undertake construction works on Crown Land will be sought from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania.
The drafting of tender documentation for the project has commenced.
Latrobe Council has allocated $300,000 in the current financial year with the balance of funding expected to be allocated in the 2024-25 financial year. It is highly unlikely that ground works will commence in the current financial year and, if that is the case, then the allocated funding will be carried forward.
Mayor Freshney said, “Despite the progress in the planning and application phases, there is still significant work to be undertaken before the commencement of construction. I would ask the community to continue to be patient as we work through due process to ensure the project delivers on its potential for wide community benefit.”