Response to Sandy Bay Road Cycleway.

NOV 2 2010

LETTER TO THE EDITOR of the MERCURY

Good afternoon,

I trust you’ll provide me with an opportunity to respond after the barrage directed at me from Saturday’s letters? Many thanks in advance,

Helen Burnet

It appears that there are differing schools of thought on what constitutes a good consultation process and the virtues of the current process in relation to the proposed Sandy Bay Rd cycleway. (Heath, Ruzicka Letters Oct 30th)

I would still argue that this has been one of the most detailed pieces of consultation the Council has undertaken. Surely, over 1000 submissions and a great deal of public discussion, including letters to this paper, are testament to that?

My concern about the “urgent” workshop proposed by Ald Thomas for Aldermen on consultation is this: that it could well jeopardize the existing process started over two years ago. Surely he does not want to dismiss the effort already undertaken by those putting in submissions, Council staff and consultants?

Varying opinions are the spice that is the quintessential element of our Tasmanian community. Of course we have people both for and against the proposal - that is to be expected. For many who did participate in the process I would expect they could honestly say that they had a better idea of what was proposed and could contribute with vigor, no matter their standpoint. To me that is what this part of consulting it is all about.

We as a Council should not be shy of differing opinions. Nor should we be shy of making difficult decisions when it comes to the wellbeing and liveability of our city.

Yes, we should always strive to improve, but doing this on top of an already existing, exhaustive consultation process does send alarm bells. It does concern me that the majority of Aldermen did not consider this a risk to the existing project. Indeed, I don’t think anyone would want to dismiss the 1000 submissions from people both for and against.

Alderman Helen Burnet

0417 284 267

Greens Alderman Helen Burnet

Deputy Lord Mayor

Hobart City Council

Town Hall, Macquarie St, Hobart TAS 7000

P: 03 62 382 936, M: 0417 284 267