Hobart Alderman Helen Burnet and candidate for Deputy Lord Mayor today joined with Greens Denison MP Cassy O’Connor to articulate a comprehensive direction for City of Hobart. Speaking from Parliament House, Ald Burnet stated:

“Today the Greens are leading the way with a clear vision for our city. In the face of climate change and the looming threat of peak oil, the Greens wish to work collaboratively between tiers of government and the local community with the helps of leaders in the area of urban re-vitalisation.

“With the help of local and global experts under the direction of a well-resourced State Architect, this comprehensive approach will help shape, re-energise and sustain our city and its people well into the future.”

“The current movement towards greater self-sufficiency is happening not only as a response to climate change, but by motivated communities who are seeking their own solutions too, in this era of resilience.”

Alderman Burnet emphasised that the Renaissance Plan for Hobart did not set out to slavishly copy from other cities. However there were elements from many success stories such as Copenhagen and Melbourne which would be simple enough to adopt for a brighter and better future.

“Hobart has a unique, very special feel, with its natural beauty of the mountain, and the Derwent, as well as the magnificent built heritage. The Greens want these elements of our beautiful city to be set apart for what they are.

“We can design in elements that will make our city centre more inviting in which to work live and play. Greater inner-city housing options, better people spaces, and that connection so often missing in our city streets because of traffic flow and  poor street-level design are part of the solution I believe the people of Hobart would warm to.

“The Greens on Council will continue the work of improving urban life for our city. With Green initiatives for more community gardens, the Summer Sundays project in North Hobart in early 2010, the quest for better pedestrian lighting all continuing apace, an overall strategy and direction is required. Capacity building and a very active central district with greater inner city housing projects as part of this plan will ensure a bright future for Hobart and its people.”

Alderman Burnet threw out a challenge.

“Renaissance Hobart provides a recipe for the state government to work together to make this city great. Whilst the Council currently is looking for experts to take up the challenge of the Inner-city Development Plan, the proposal here is even more far-reaching – there is a need for a coordinated, thoughtful approach as to where we – the people of Hobart – want to take our city. We cannot stand around and wait for that to happen. The time to act is now.”

For more information or comment, please contact:
Helen Burnet, Greens Alderman, Hobart City Council
Ph: 03 6238 2936; Mob: 0417 284 267; Email: helenburnet@netspace.net.au