New Hobart chief’s vision
City ‘one of most unique in world’
MAINTAINING the city’s high sustainability status, its heritage assets and ensuring good urban design will be some of the key goals of the new Hobart City Council chief.
HCC general manager Nick Heath stepped down from his position last month after more than 12 years in the top job and more than 36 years at the organisation.
Experienced local government executive and most recently Wyndham City Council chief executive officer, Kelly Grigsby, took over the role on Monday.
Ms Grigsby said she had been a visitor to the city many times and rated it as one of the most unique cities in the world.
She said Hobart was well placed in a post COVID-19 world.
“I’m interested to understand how the organisation can pivot to support industry and the growth of new sectors and jobs,” Ms Grigsby said.
“I’d welcome an opportunity to meet with the Premier to talk about opportunities to enhance the work we’re doing across the city, but also deal with ongoing issues around things like transport, infrastructure and starting to develop the new model for the Taste.”
Ms Grigsby said while the basic functions of local government – the traditional roads, rates and rubbish – needed to be done well, there was a lot more things a capital city council can focus on.
“A high functioning city council can make a real difference in ensuring residents get their fair share of investment from other levels of government,” she said.
“Why wouldn’t we take the opportunity in this COVID world to attract industry that may not have come here before, but will now.”
Although less than a week into the job, Ms Grigsby said she had a long-term vision for the organisation to be community-focused and leading growth.
“Councils are regulators so we’re not always the good guys, but the reality is the staff should be proud to work here and residents should be proud to live here,” she said.
“It’s about ensuring the council plays a fundamental role in setting the narrative for the city and how we’re going to grow on our own terms – to make sure growth doesn’t just happen to us – it’s something we’re well in control.
“It’s also about ensuring we maintain our sustainability status – we’re one of the most sustainable cities in the world and our heritage built assets are fantastic so it’s about preserving those and ensuring good urban design and amenity.”