Christie happy to man fort - for now

HOBART Lord Mayor Ron Christie has not ruled out a tilt at the top job at the October elections.

Alderman Christie said he would consider his family in any decision he made on his political future but for now he would focus on continuing the work set out by his predecessor, Sue Hickey.

“I could be the shortest serving Lord Mayor in Hobart’s history,” he said.

Ald Christie said a motivating factor for him to take on the role in the interim was the fact a by-election would have cost Hobart ratepayers about $200,000.

“I believe that money could be better spent elsewhere,” he said.

Ald Christie officially assumed the leadership mantle last week after Ms Hickey resigned as alderman to pursue a career in state politics as an MP in the State Government.

But Ald Christie said he would ditch the $27,000 mayoral robes and cushy office.

“It’s not a matter of disrespect,” he said.

“I just don’t think it’s appropriate as custodial Lord Mayor to wear the robes.”

He will also accept the $88,706 additional allowance for mayors and clarified he never accepted this allowance while he was acting Lord Mayor during the state election.

In a wide-ranging interview Ald Christie shared his views on multiple issues engulfing Hobart including housing, traffic, a proposed Mt Welling- ton cable car and council travel expenses.

Ald Christie said the Hobart City Council was committed to affordable housing and would work with the State Government to help fix the lack of housing.

He cited the council’s decision to use some land for housing affordability projects as an example of how the council could play a role.

“We have 522 new multiple dwellings; 108 under construction, 142 dwellings approved and 272 dwellings lodged,” he said.

“That’s apartments and that’s good news for Hobart.”

Ald Christie said the council would continue to keep a close eye on the cable car proposal for Mt Wellington.

“I think the community of Hobart expects us to ask questions,” he said.

In regard to traffic, Ald Christie said about 17,000 cars come into Hobart from 7.309.30am each weekday.

“And 77 per cent of them stay in the city,” he said.

“The congestion will always be here.”

Ald Christie said dealing with traffic issues would hinge on the Hobart City Deal.

He also welcomed the review into council travelling expenses, saying aldermen must be accountable for every trip they make.

It was revealed this month Hobart’s top aldermen took more overseas trips in the past three years than Premier Will Hodgman or Melbourne’s most recent lord mayor.

Ald Christie questioned whether as many council representatives were needed on the trips overseas.

“It was unfortunate last year we had the anniversary of our sister cities Yaizu, Japan, L’Aquila [Italy],” he said.

“Is it appropriate to send five or six aldermen? I don’t know. Sometimes I think it’s a bit top heavy.”