Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston hits out at ‘disingenuous’ claim art park could be lost to community

Claims one of the most innovative public art sites in Tasmania is at threat because of the potential sale of nearby land have been denied by a Southern Tasmanian mayor.

Glenorchy Major Kristie Johnston discusses the proposal to sell the Derwent Entertainment Centre (DEC) and adjoining Wilkinsons Point.

CLAIMS one of the most innovative public art sites in Tasmania is at threat because of the potential sale of nearby land have been denied by a Southern Tasmanian mayor.

Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston has hit out at the board of Glenorchy Art & Sculpture Park for suggesting the community could lose the public art site.

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“It is disingenuous of them to suggest that there is a threat to GASP,” she said.

“Indeed there is a significant opportunity to enhance and secure the financial sustainability of GASP in the long term, with the profitable sale of the land to a developer.”

Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard officially opening the new Glenorchy Art and Sculpture Park and Boardwalk on the River Derwent.

Glenorchy City Council recently announced it is considering selling Wilkinsons Point along with the Derwent Entertainment Centre, in a bid to lure a project of significance to the community.

The public consultation for the sale closed on Wednesday with six submissions.

But the board of Glenorchy Art & Sculpture Park, which is situated on the Elwick Bay foreshore, has issued a statement vowing to fight to save the land.

GASP board chairwoman Christine Edwards says if the council decides to sell Wilkinsons Point land, the area now licensed to GASP, which includes foreshore land around Elwick

Bay should be exempt from the sale.

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“The complete Elwick Bay foreshore upon which GASP is located contains important natural and cultural values,” she said.

It is, in effect, a priceless and unique location that is well loved by the people of Glenorchy.”

“It is crucial that GASP be exempted from the land parcel for disposal, and included as a

significant stakeholder in any determination to develop the site.”

Ald Johnston said the council has always said the public foreshore and road access was to be maintained.

“We have given GASP a briefing prior to our March meeting and then again last week where they were given the above assurance again,” she said.

Ald Johnston said GASP was on notice to deliver on its funding commitment, with only one year remaining of the grant deed signed by the Commissioner.

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