Burnie needs to make a sad clown a happy clown!

MEDIA RELEASE

Paul O’Halloran
Greens Lead Candidate for Braddon

Wednesday, 9 September 2009

BURNIE NEEDS TO MAKE A SAD CLOWN A HAPPY CLOWN!
Call for Review of Council Busking By-Laws

The Tasmanian Greens today called for the Burnie City Council to review its busking by-laws, which they described as “overly-bureaucratic and a disincentive to community creativity’, to bring them more into line with their neighbours at the Devonport and Central Coast Councils, following today’s reports which highlight the difficulties experienced by a local clown and busker.

Greens Braddon candidate, Paul O’Halloran said that appropriate regulation should still allow and foster a sense of fun, encourage creativity and artistic expression, and provide a training ground for young performers.

“It appears that Burnie City Council is out of step with both its Council neighbours down the road, and with community expectations that freedom of expression and creativity are fostered appropriately,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“There must be room to bring back the fun in Burnie! We are calling on the Council to review and update these 16-pages of by-laws which appear to be overly-bureaucratic and a disincentive to community creativity.”

“Busking can be a source of great entertainment, can surprise us with what our neighbours are coming up with, as well as provides our young budding performers with a cheap training ground. This needs to be fostered rather than strangled.”

“The Greens do agree that there does need to be appropriate regulation of public street performances, but as Central Coast Council has demonstrated this balance can be struck with fostering creativity and artistic expression,” Mr O’Halloran said.

www.tas.greens.org.au

Paul O’Halloran