It is understandable that people want to protect YouthARC (Letters, April 2). Facilities that support young people and provide safe places to connect are important and should remain part of Hobart’s community infrastructure.
However, we also need to recognise a practical reality. If the Hobart City Hall continues to operate at a loss, council has less capacity to fund important services like YouthARC in the first place. This should not be framed as a choice between supporting young people or activating City Hall. A well-run city should be able to do both.
If any changes were ever considered, the focus should be on ensuring proper safeguards, including a suitable alternative venue, good accessibility, and genuine consultation with the young people who use the service.
Financially sustainable civic assets help councils continue funding the very community programs people want protected.
Edwin Johnstone
Chair, Business Greater Hobart
