Of a sister city

discussions I find that this was the will of the people. They wanted to return to homes and businesses that looked like they always had.

The lesson from L’Aquila is one of resilience. Recent conferences for mayors have a focus on resilience. It is the new buzzword in governments and it reflects the ability to rebuild your city and take care of your people after a major catastrophe. It’s about how quickly a community can rebuild.

There are other signs of sadness, the street dogs left behind as people fled. They are mangy and sad and wander aimlessly around the town, but from my hotel window I watched a lady come to the garden each day to feed them. The local council does not have money to deal with dogs. I was told of a story of an old man who had to leave his two dogs at his old house which is little more than rubble. He was rehoused but pets were not allowed, so each day he makes the trip up the hill to be with his dogs in his beloved Old Town.

L’Aquila has picked itself up, dusted itself off and has got on with the renewal of its city but it will not be complete until the people move back to the Old Town and the businesses with them. The council of the city will have left a magnificent replica of a splendid old town if it is eventually completed. I am hopeful that this will also bring back the tourists. The potential future is magnificent.

But could I make a decision to rebuild on an earthquake prone area? It is a huge test of leadership. I wonder if Salamanca Place was to be destroyed by some catastrophe, would the citizens of Hobart want it rebuilt to exactly the same specifications, regardless of the cost? Sue Hickey is the Lord Mayor of Hobart.