THE MERCURY, Sue Neales:

Liberal economic development spokesman Will Hodgman said yesterday the luxury home development of 400-500 units proposed by Walker Corporation was simply not appropriate for the mudflats of Ralphs Bay east of Hobart.

Franklin MHA Mr Hodgman said the decision did not mean the Liberals were anti-business or anti-development.  “This is about principle, and about a vision for Tasmania heading forward; asking if this sort of development proposed for Ralphs Bay is either appropriate for a bay that is crown land or representative of what we want in the future for our precious coastline.”

Save Ralphs Bay spokeswoman Cassy O’Connor said, “It is a sure indication of how obnoxious the Walker Corporation proposal was that the Liberals had no problem rejecting it.”

But Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Damon Thomas however, said, “I hope it doesn’t send out the message that the Liberals are anti-business, but it could be perceived that is where they stand.” 

http://www.saveralphsbay.org/