Antarctic precinct concerns

CONCERNS about the Antarctic precinct at Macquarie Point have been raised by the Hobart Lord Mayor during a meeting about the Hobart City Deal with Federal Minister for Cities Paul Fletcher.

The first meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee for the Hobart City Deal was held this week at the Department of State Growth.

The mayors of Hobart, Clarence, Glenorchy and Kingborough met Mr Fletcher and Minister for State Growth Peter Gutwein.

Hobart Lord Mayor Ron Christie said he was pleased to have the first meeting and to raise concerns such as ensuring the Antarctic precinct at Macquarie Point does not exclude other uses.

“I was also concerned that planning for long-term public transport options shouldn’t limit short-term improvements to Metro services, and the need for a planner to join the senior officers group that is progressing the City Deal,” he said.

Ald Christie said the meeting focused on establishing a Greater Hobart Act to provide a strategic framework for the State Government and councils as well as examining affordable housing and options to facilitate the University of Tasmania’s STEM presence in the city.

The meeting followed the signing of a heads of agreement on the Hobart City Deal by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Premier Will Hodgman in January.

The City Deal would include a transport vision which could encompass solutions including busways, light rail from the city to Glenorchy and cross-Derwent ferries.