Mixed views on rivulet revamp

LORD Mayor Anna Reynolds has reserved judgment on the idea of opening the Hobart Rivulet as a walking/cycling path until she sees a report into its viability.

“It’s a quirky idea,” Ms Reynolds said.

“There’s likely to be expenses around safety, ventilation, exit point and so on. So we need to consider whether it’s a good use of ratepayers’ money.”

Earlier this week, the Hobart City Council Infrastructure Committee voted unanimously for a report into the motion proposed by Alderman Tanya Denison.

Alderman Marti Zucco said he was excited by the idea.

“We had tours running under there a few years ago and they were very successful,” he said. “I think we should even give consideration to opening the tunnels that I believe run between the Town Hall, the Treasury Building and parliament.

“It works really well in Toronto (Canada) where they have a whole shopping mall underground. If this works in Hobart we should consider expanding it.”

Alderman Simon Behrakis agreed that it was important to think big in terms of Hobart’s future infrastructure.

“I support Ald Denison’s motion, but I would be keen to discuss with her if this could also be an opportunity to investigate the cost of building other pedestrian tunnels, such as at the corner of Davey and Murray streets.”

Bicycle Network Tasmania said on its website: “While Alderman Denison is to be commended for thinking of ways to create safer routes for people walking and riding, this sort of complex and expensive project would be a long-term proposition and is unlikely to be a viable commuter corridor.

“We know that what we need now is a connected onroad, separated cycle network that takes people to where they need to go, 365 days a year.”

It said it would likely be more useful for recreation and tourism than a transport corridor.