opinion
-
Macquarie Point Stadium
As Chair of the Confederation of Greater Hobart Business, I strongly support the development of the Macquarie Point Stadium. Tasmania’s economy in the past has been transformed by bold, future-focused projects, and this stadium will be the next one. We’ve seen it before. Wrest Point, in its time, reshaped Hobart’s tourism and hospitality sector, attracting…
-
Hobart’s Best Days Are On The Horizon
We need to foster a general culture of positivity instead of negativity being the default option, writes Edwin Johnstone It’s easy to be negative in business these days. Costs are rising, recruitment is challenging and every week seems to bring new uncertainty. For many small business owners across Hobart, it can feel like the odds…
-
Education is key in battle to save city’s soul
Hobart’s heritage is both fragile and irreplaceable. In recent months, two incidents have highlighted just how vulnerable our most cherished public places are: the theft of bronze plaques from Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue, on the Queens Domain, and the damage inflicted on Kelly’s Steps, in Battery Point, by e-scooters. Neither incident alone may seem catastrophic. But…
-
Markets play an integral role in driving economy
As the days lengthen and Hobart’s streets warm under the first sun of spring, the city’s markets are once again bustling with energy, colour and fresh local produce. From the Salamanca, Farm Gate and the Hobart Twilight markets to suburban pop-ups, these vibrant gatherings are more than weekend markets, they are a vital force in…
-
E-Scooters Vandalising historic Kelly’s Steps
Kelly’s Steps are still being trashed by e-scooters. I first raised this issue four years ago, and despite repeated warnings and clear evidence of damage, the only response has been the installation of a sign — which riders routinely ignore. Since then, sandstone blocks have had to be replaced, and fresh cracks are already appearing,…
-
Hobart’s CBD Must Retain Function and Accessibility
HOBART’S CBD CAN BE LIVELY AND ATTRACTIVE, BUT MUST RETAIN FUNCTION AND ACCESSIBILITY A VIBRANT AND THRIVING HOBART MEANS FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE SO THE CITY WORKS FOR EVERYONE The anti-car agenda keeps rolling on with the Hobart City Council launching plans for more “parklets” and kerbside dining. As someone born in Hobart who has…
-
Bike lane bullies
When the bike lanes in Collin St debate first started many businesses in the area vocalised their opposition to the proposal, but they quickly stopped being public about it. Behind the scenes support from businesses did not stop but they were genuinely concerned about tactics being deployed by those in favour of the proposal. The…
-
Midson Report: Collins Street Bicycle Lanes Technical Assessment
Introduction This technical assessment evaluates Hobart City Council’s proposed on-road bicycle lanes along Collins Street between Molle Street and Murray Street, Hobart. Council’s project aims to enhance active transport infrastructure by providing dedicated cycling lanes, improving connectivity between the South Hobart Rivulet Track and the Hobart CBD. However, this assessment identifies several significant challenges that…
-
Practical Solutions for Bike Lanes and Traffic Needed
DEBATE RAGING OVER BIKE LANES IN THE CBD MUST BE STEERED TOWARDS PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS IT’S TIME THE CYCLING LOBBY PUT THE BRAKES ON ITS IDEOLOGICAL APPROACH AND LISTENED TO THE VIEWS OF ALL STAKEHOLDERS, WRITES EDWIN JOHNSTONE The ongoing debate over the dual bike lane proposal for Collins St in Hobart’s CBD needs to focus…
-
Scrambling to Hurt Hobart Businesses
A majority of Hobart councillors voted to continue the scramble crossing trial indefinitely. Why call these things a trial? The outcomes are predetermined and never put in place with local businesses in mind, just ideology. Scramble crossing make no sense with our mainly one-way streets. They are a terribly inefficient way to aid in the…