Hello, we’re part of Hobart too

HOBART small businesses say they are being unfairly excluded from a ratepayerfunded $75,000 marketing campaign due to their location.

Hello Hobart is a Hobart City Council initiative that evolved from the One City Centre Shop Hobart program.

Council general manager Nick Heath said it originated in mid-2016 as a strategy to provide support to CBD businesses affected by the Myer flooding and the subsequent works in the area.

Hello Hobart is centred on a small area in the CBD bordering Harrington, Argyle, Brisbane and Macquarie streets.

Businesses in that area have had access to free online and social media promotions, interviews, networking events and training. It costs ratepayers $75,000 a year.

But now small businesses outside of that area are calling on the council to expand the radius for the program.

James Gordon’s Whitewall Kitchen, atop the RACT building at the corner of Patrick and Murray streets, falls just outside the parameters for the program.

“I think anything the council can do to help small businesses is good and I think it should include as many small businesses as possible,” he said.

Patrick St Solstice Digital owner Anthony Corke said it would be great if the program could be broadened citywide.

Leon Cupit, who runs Independent Property Inspections in Dynnyrne, said it was disappointing he was being excluded because of his location.

“I know initially it was about getting people back into the city but if they are looking to keep that initiative going I can’t see any reason why they wouldn’t expand it,” he said.

Hobart deputy mayor candidate Louise Bloomfield said she operated a small firm just two blocks outside of this “small exclusive border”.

“Along with many other business owners including retail, hairdressing, cafes and restaurants, none of us are considered ‘Hobart’ enough by the Hobart City Council to access this support,” she said.

Mr Heath said while there were no plans to expand the Hello Hobart program, the council was undertaking a revitalisation of retail precincts across the city, including Lenah Valley, New Town, Sandy Bay and South Hobart.