Contested megaprojects – who gets to decide? A case study of Macquarie Point, Hobart

This session examines the politics and practice of planning for mixed use megaprojects on Government land (think Barangaroo in NSW or Docklands in Victoria), which typically entail big government announcements but sometimes deliver limited benefits to the wider community. This panel, using the case study of Macquarie Point in Hobart, asks what frameworks are needed to ensure that these mega projects can deliver wider public benefits.

Light refreshments will be served.

Panelists include: 

Councillor Helen Burnet, Hobart City Council

Debra Berkhout, Strategic Advisor, Innovation Precinct and "Place" Strategy Strategic Advisor, Tech Central Alliance

Dr Mike Harris, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, University of NSW 

Jason Byrne, Professor of Human Geography and Planning, School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences, the University of Tasmania

Chaired by Peter Phibbs, Professor Emeritus, Henry Halloran Research Trust, the University of Sydney

This event is part of the annual Festival of Urbanism, hosted by the University of Sydney's Henry Halloran Research Trust.

How will new housing, environmental, or infrastructure reform agendas advanced by governments and others confront these challenges, and whose voices will, or should, be heard? Can contests of ideas and values lead to more innovative or inclusive models of urban governance or design? The 10th Festival of Urbanism will confront these questions through a series of robust panel discussions, podcasts and film events involving researchers, policy makers, industry experts and community leaders across Australia. Join this free program of events by attending a Festival session in Sydney, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth or Lismore; or by catching an on-demand recording or podcast online.