A coalition of Hobart’s most influential business groups say they will pursue an elector poll on the Hobart City Council’s controversial Collins Street dual-bike lane installation.
The revelation comes after a public meeting voted in support of the trial and following what they describe as a breakdown in consultation.
Is also follows a rejection by councillors for a compromise solution on the Murray Street end of the street that would have seen parking retained and ‘sharrows’ installed instead.
The Tasmanian Small Business Council, Hobart Chamber of Commerce, Property Council and Confederation of Greater Hobart Businesses have joined forces to challenge the council’s decision.
Following a recent public meeting, advocates now have 30 days to gather 1,000 signatures from Hobart electors to trigger the poll.
Tasmanian Small Business Council CEO Robert Mallett said Collins Street traders have “had enough” with the proposal, which also lacks state government support.
“Hobart City Council has shown absolute disdain for small businesses in Collins Street,” Mallett said.
“Last Tuesday’s public meeting was an exercise in council and the pro-cycling lobbying lecturing to small business, rather than listening.”
“The pro-cycling lobby at the meeting even voted against a motion asking that the council engage in ethical, evidence-based decision making,” he said.
Property Council CEO Rebecca Ellston said those with ties to the street have been left with no alternative but to pursue an elector poll.
“Collins Street property owners are some of the largest contributors to Council’s coffers through rates in the entire city,” Ellston said.
“The lecturing and lack of engagement from council about this proposal is unprofessional to say the least.
“Unfortunately, an elector poll is the only way for people to have their voices heard.”
If successful, the roughly $150,000 poll would gauge public sentiment on the bike lane proposal, though council would not be legally bound by the results.
Bicycle Network Tasmania’s Alison Hetherington said any possible poll would be “a costly exercise in making a point” that Hobart ratepayers will have to bear.
“It’s disappointing to see business groups ignore the will of the Collins Street public meeting in their decision to pursue an expensive elector poll,” she said.
“Separated cycleways, lower speeds and more pedestrian crossings will make Collins Street a safer place for the hundreds of people who work and visit there every day.”
