A coalition of business groups is escalating its opposition to the proposed dual-bike lanes on Collins Street, demanding an elector poll to gauge public opinion.
They claim the Hobart City Council has disregarded their concerns, despite a recent public meeting on the issue.
The Tasmanian Small Business Council, the Hobart Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of Greater Hobart Businesses and the Property Council have united to challenge the council’s decision and ignore public opinion made very clear at the meeting last week.
The meeting voted overwhelmingly in favour of a motion supporting the Collins Street trial and voted down three motions against.
The move also comes despite council officers suggesting a compromise between Harrington and Murray Streets. The business groups allege the council hastily redesigned the proposal, even adding a bus stop in the middle of the street.
Under the Local Government Act, an elector poll can proceed if a petition signed by 1,000 Hobart electors is submitted to the council within 30 days of last Tuesday’s public meeting.
Robert Mallett, CEO of the Tasmanian Small Business Council, expressed his frustration, stating, “Hobart City Council has shown absolute disdain for small businesses in Collins Street.”
Mallett however has consistently ignored evidence from other Australian cities and around the world that bike lanes are beneficial for business.
“Collins Street property owners are some of the largest contributors to council’s coffers through rates in the entire city,” said Rebecca Ellston, CEO of the Property Council. “The lecturing and lack of engagement from Council about this proposal is unprofessional to say the least.”
The ‘lecturing’ Ellston refers to be appears to be consultant reports by qualified traffic engineers and urban planners who have designed the Collins Street improvements.
Supporters of the bike lanes criticised the business groups’ push for an elector poll
They argue that separated cycleways, reduced speeds and increased pedestrian crossings will enhance safety on Collins Street for workers and visitors.
“The elector poll will be a costly exercise in making a point that Hobart ratepayers will have to bear,” said Alison Hetherington, Public Affairs Manager for Bicycle Network.
“Opponents of the trial have already cost council $170,000 in lost funding, about $10,000 for a public meeting and now want to lumber ratepayers with up to $150,000 for an elector poll.”
