The first stages of development are progressing at Macquarie Point, with a $3 million application for remedial works at the site now lodged with the Hobart City Council.
“This is an exciting time for Mac Point, with the application the first-step in seeing permanent development on site.
"These works complement the remediation work already undertaken with all work to be completed by the end of next year,” CEO of Macquarie Point Development Corporation, Mary Massina said.
The proposed soil remediation work will be undertaken across most of the site to rid the area of contaminants such as spilt fuel, heavy metals and buried asbestos.
“Contamination across the site is a legacy of past land uses, in particular railways, fuel handling and the former gasworks and is primarily related to fuel contamination and associated heavy metals.
"The focus of the remediation work will include the former mechanics pit, redundant oil and diesel fuel pipelines, the former round house refuelling areas and the area surrounding the SeaRoad’s shed as well as the area along the northern escarpment below the Cenotaph, which is the site earmarked for early permanent development.” Ms Massina said.
National consulting firm, AECOM Australia, has been engaged to assist with the preparation of the remediation strategy, including; site sampling and analysis of contamination levels and contamination types through testing of soil, groundwater and air; preparation of ecological risk assessments; development of remediation management plans and technical specifications for implementation of contaminant removal, as well as ongoing oversight of the full program of remediation work.
“Macquarie Point Development Corporation will ensure the strategy and implementation approaches being undertaken across the site will achieve independent Environmental Auditor certification that the land is safe for future development and undertaken in accordance with site specific environmental management plans.
“This major program of works will enable the Corporation to seek permanent development at the Macquarie Point precinct, with parcels of land on the market by mid-2020.” Ms Massina concluded.