Published: The Mercury 16th December 2024
Sue Bailey
A public meeting about Hobart’s controversial bike lanes in Collins St is likely to be held in February after a petition attracted 1000 signatures.
The signatures were gathered by Confederation of Greater Hobart Businesses chairman Edwin Johnstone and could result in an elector poll of Hobart ratepayers on the issue.
Acting Hobart Lord Mayor Dr Zelinda Sherlock said the signatures on the petition were being verified. “We have received the petition and as per the Local Government Act, we are checking the eligibility of the signatories, as they need to be ratepayers including those listed on the general manager’s roll,” she said.
“Once 1000 signatures have been verified, it will be tabled at the next Hobart City Council meeting along with a report to council. “From there, the City of Hobart has 30 days to organise a public meeting.
“Work on the timing and location of the public meeting will begin once the petition signatories have been verified.” The next council meeting is scheduled for January 28 and Mr Johnstone is hopeful an elector poll may not be needed.
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” Mr Johnstone said. “The council is already starting to look at changing the design to what’s called a shared access and we’re quite happy with the fact that the speed limit in Collins St is about to be lowered to 30km.
“People are under impression that we’re anti-bike lanes but we’re quite happy with the proposals that are already in place in Argyle St and Campbell St. We’re not advocating for more cars. We’re just advocating for the most efficient use of the current network.”
Mr Johnstone said he started the petition because he believes the council should go back to the drawing board with its plans for bike lanes in Collins St. He says many traders are against the bike lanes and the impact on their businesses.
Both the Clarence and Glenorchy city councils have held elector polls this year, but the results are not binding.
Clarence paid $145,000 for its poll on plans to build an AFL high performance centre at the site of the old Rosny Golf Course with 63 per cent of enrolled electors returning a ballot paper.
Residents were split on the proposal with the Kingborough later becoming successful in its bid for the centre.
