Waterfront pause
Putting up, say, $250,000 would get designers around the world interested in something that is world-class to suit the site, rather than crass apartment blocks by developers (Tasmania has still not adopted the Shergold Weir Report and recommendations for apartment developments).
The brief should include rail line, transport hub, park and ride, ferry terminal for trips to Bruny, New Norfolk, Port Arthur, Dunalley, Margate, Kettering and Bellerive, and provision to travel by rail to National Park and elsewhere. Why the port is not better used is a disgrace. We have one of the best harbours in the world. At present, all goods are freighted to and from the North by road at our expense.
It looks like the government is prepared to shut down alternatives for Macquarie Point rather than open them up. I note still no new jail, no fifth lane on the Southern Outlet, no Derwent ferry trials, no Sorell Corridor upgrade to two lanes each way, no new Bridgewater Bridge. Rod Force Sandy Bay
Thirteen improvement notices issued to businesses after 2000 COVID inspections Don’t complain about inspections. Don’t be complacent and relax the requirements or you will end up like us in Victoria and that would be a disaster for Tasmania. Enjoy the freedom you have and do the right things. — Lorraine
HMM, a tough one … Try to press ahead with more private tourist and commercial development on partially remediated public land in a troubled property market during a pandemic and global recession?
Or pause for a moment at this historic juncture to reconsider the future of a strategically important near-waterfront site and how COVID-19 might help to permanently alter our society and economy and the built environment that shapes and accommodates them?
Peggy James Howden
GPO Box 334, Hobart, Tas 7001
mercuryedletter@themercury.com.au
(03) 6230 0711
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