Reprise the role of State Architect

WITH the ongoing dilemmas around the proposed UTAS move into the Hobart CBD, the slow progress with planning, design and construction at Mac Point and the Mt Wellington Cable Car and Summit Visitor’s Centre debacle, it may well be time to reprise the role of the State Architect.

Both the Hobart City Council and the Tasmanian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects have publicly supported this action as they recognise that strategic planning, development, rapid change, economic growth, heritage and the built environment, housing affordability, health/ageing demographic, education and climate change are critical issues where the impact of unilateral decisions often result in broad-ranging ramifications.

Carefully analysed input into future development and the introduction of a statewide architecture and design policy would facilitate planned and co-ordinated high-quality urban design as well as delivering a built environment that can sustain Tasmania’s communities into the future. Tasmania is the only Australian state or territory that does not have a government architect and would benefit from having appropriate policy and strategic development for the built and natural environments with the reprisal of this role.