The minority Liberal government’s ability to deliver its pet stadium project is in serious doubt, with significant concerns over the foundations at Macquarie Point.

Not only is the Macquarie Point site on reclaimed land, but it also has significant engineering challenges and is highly contaminated.

Labor asked the Minister for Stadia and Events Nic Street last week about geotechnical advice that the site foundations are so unstable that water will be hit at the city end of the proposed site at a depth of just 2.5 metres.

The Minister said at the time that he hadn’t personally seen the advice but when asked today whether he has since sought that advice, he simply refused to answer the question.

He also refused to answer questions about contamination at the site – using the Project of State Significance process to wash his hands of all concerns about the site.

Macquarie Point was given $18 million for decontamination works in 2020-21 but this work appears to have not been undertaken and there is a significant risk that the site will be designated as Level 4 Contamination, the EPA’s highest level.

This government has an appalling track record of delivering on its commitments and the stadium it has prioritised above the health, housing and cost-of-living crisis for more than a year appears to be no different.

Dean Winter MP  
Shadow Minister for Economic Development