Weatherill breaks promise to consult

Posted on November 1, 2011

Less than two weeks into the job Premier Weatherill has broken his promise to “consult and decide” and has wasted another $6 million of taxpayers’ money by seizing control of the Newport Quays project.

Mr Weatherill has announced that he will be terminating the contract to develop to the Port Adelaide waterfront with the Newport Quays Consortium without any consultation with stakeholders.

Urban Construct is a joint venture partner in the Newport Quays Consortium and has advised it will be seeking legal advice. Urban Construct CEO Todd Brown said in a statement: “We were unaware of the decision until minutes before it was made public”.

Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond said Mr Weatherill had abandoned his promise to South Australians.

“Mr Weatherill promised to stop Labor’s “announce and defend” approach but since becoming Premier has simply continued it,” Ms Redmond said.

“How can Mr Weatherill justify making a major development decision without speaking to the key stakeholders until moments before the announcement?

“The Newport Quays Consortium was given a three year extension on the contract from the Land Management Corporation just 10 days ago – it is a cruel hoax.

“Not only has Mr Weatherill signed up South Australians for another $6 million in compensation, but he has also put taxpayers in the firing line for a lengthy and expensive legal battle.

“Mr Weatherill’s promise of a new consultative Labor Government that listens to the public before making decision rings hollow.

“This badly handled decision to seize control of the Newport Quays development will make private enterprise even more nervous about investing in South Australia than they already are.”