HCC residents may have voted in a pro cable car council, says Christie
THE people of Hobart may have elected a pro cable car council, despite having elected an anti-cable car lord mayor and deputy.
Politics
Don't miss out on the headlines from Politics. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE people of Hobart may have elected a pro cable car council, despite having elected an anti-cable car lord mayor and deputy.
Ousted lord mayor Ron Christie said ratepayers had chosen a council which he believed would deliver on a cable car development for Kunanyi/Mount Wellington.
Mr Christie’s comments follow the finalisation of the council vote on Saturday night.
“Whether realising or not, the people of Hobart have just voted for a cable car,” he said.
“Looking at those people elected, there is a clear right wing faction on council, and those who favour the greens.
“Even though the Hobart voters have sworn in a lord mayor who is openly against the cable car, I think the balance of aldermen in favour of a cable car will outweigh those against.”
Mr Christie’s claims come after the previous Hobart City Council aldermen in August voted 7-4 in favour of Alderman Jeff Briscoe’s motion before council for no cable car infrastructure to be built on council land.
MORE:
POWER AND PASSION IN BATTLE FOR HOBART
HOBARTIANS VOTE TO SHAKE UP COUNCILS
CALL FOR CABLE CAR MEETING TO BE PUBLIC
Three who voted in favour of the motion were Philip Cocker, Eva Ruzicka and Mr Christie — all who no longer hold a council seat.
The trio have been replaced by at least two aldermen who aren’t against a cable car construction.
Newly elected alderman Simon Behrakis told the Mercury yesterday he would like to see a cable car on Mount Wellington/kunanyi.
“I’m in support of a cable car on the mountain but we need to make sure the proper process is followed and what is approved is appropriate.”
Zelinda Sherlock said in September she wasn’t against a cable car development but she would want to see any proponent consult widely with the community.
All of the four aldermen who voted to reject Ald Bricoe’s August motion to stop a cable car were re-elected to council.
Mrs Sherlock’s father Mike Dutta, who was elected to council yesterday said he is opposed to a cable car but was quite prepared to listen to an argument for the development.
A change of mind from Ald Dutta could swing the balance in favour of a cable car which would align with the views of aldermen Tanya Denison, Damon Thomas, Marti Zucco and Peter Sexton.
Mr Christie, who served as deputy mayor for the past two terms before taking over as caretaker mayor in March when Sue Hickey was elected to the House of Assembly, said he expected the six elected new or returning aldermen would be swayed by the existing aldermen to “take a side”.
“The one thing I learnt coming in to council 15 years ago, is I thought I could change the City Hall, when in reality you can’t make big changes as mayor,” he said.
“The community thinks the mayor is the council leader, but the role of the mayor is only as a messenger for the council, and not there to lead per se.”
“The best thing the newly elected aldermen can do is take advice. I expect they will be lobbied by the older aldermen.
“Just represent the community and speak your will.”
james.kitto@news.com.au
Extra $10m funding to rebuild storm-damaged communities
Further assistance has arrived for communities picking up the pieces from damaging storms that swept through Tasmania. The details.
Labor’s bold plan to shake up government businesses
Government businesses such as Hydro and the Spirit of Tasmania would undergo a radical changes under Labor, the opposition leader says. Here’s what they plan to do.