8 July 2011 Burnet sees Big Benefits for Small Business in Gehl Plan

Hobart Lord Mayoral candidate, Alderman Helen Burnet, sees big benefits for Hobart small retail and service businesses if the Gehl plan is implemented.

“As I see it, the key point of the Gehl report – the 2010 study Hobart, a city with people in mind – is that the inner city can only be revitalized if many more people are encouraged to live centrally”, Ald Burnet said.

“Inner city retailers could do with a boost, and no amount of marketing and cheap car parking is going to change that much.

“The way to boost business for shops, café’s and restaurants in the city is to put them at people’s doorsteps, or rather, bringing people to live close to them”, she said.

“This will happen when the inner city becomes a place to live, as well as to work or visit.

“If Council grasps the point of the Gehl study, the benefits of inner city revitalization go much further”, Ald Burnet said.

“Then there are the spin-offs of improved public and alternative transport with more people living centrally, and a much more vibrant and varied make-up if people wanting to spend quality time in good surroundings.

“I look forward to leading a Council which embraces these positive benefits to our city’s people and businesses too,” Ald Burnet concluded.

Contact: Helen Burnet 0417 284 267