Outgoing Hobart City deputy mayor Helen Burnet reflects on 19 years on council

Helen Burnet’s promotion to parliament means an end to her 19 years as a Hobart City Councillor. Here’s what will happen next.

Deputy Mayor of Hobart, Helen Burnett. Picture: Linda Higginson

Outgoing Hobart City deputy mayor Helen Burnet says she hopes to see action on a state level on some of the issues she was passionate about during her time one council.

Ms Burnet was elected to the House of Assembly as a Greens member, after spending 19 years on the Hobart City Council – eight of which were as deputy.

“I was really honoured to be elected. It was a campaign where I’d worked really hard, we had a short period of time but every moment of every day was out speaking to people and find out what the issues were,” she said.

“I’ve learned so much on local government, over that time I’ve worked with incredible people.”

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds and outgoing Deputy Lord Mayor Helen Burnet. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Ms Burnet said there were many issues she’d been vocal about during her time on council.

“I think cable car is one which really stands out, that’s been a long drawn out issue,” she said.

“We have a very special backdrop to our city … The fact that’s there for people to enjoy without the scar of the cable car is something I find is really important.”

Ms Burnet said she was also happy to see more bike lanes and infrastructure around the city.

She hoped to her experience on council would put her in good stead for parliament, and that there could be change on short stay, climate change and housing and homelessness.

“Action on climate change, using action at the regional level I think’s a key thing we don’t see enough of,” she said

“Planning and issues around housing and homelessness … all those things I would like to see acted upon on a state government level.”

A recount will be held to fill the vacancy left by Ms Burnet on council and it will be up to the council to decide on who will be the new deputy mayor.

Ms Burnet said the new deputy needed to be someone who was cooperative.

“It’s really important that person who is elected, that they make that decision thinking about how well the deputy can work with the Lord Mayor,” she said.

“Local government is a long game.”

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds wished Ms Burnet well.

“Helen’s election to the Tasmanian House of Assembly is a mark to her community leadership and advocacy for issues of concern to the community,” Ms Reynolds said.

“She has worked incredibly hard during all her years on council and has been a person that the community can rely on to take an interest in their voices.

“She has been a wonderful support in her role as Deputy Lord Mayor over the past five years.”