One of Tasmania’s richest men has launched an extraordinary attack on the Hobart City Council, demanding it be placed under immediate administration.
Prominent businessman Robert Rockefeller made the comments in the wake of the council’s controversial decision to remove 49 car parks on Collins Street to make way for new cycle lanes.
Speaking at a meeting filled with distressed business owners on Thursday, Rockefeller accused the council of ignoring public consultation and being controlled by “zealots” within its bureaucracy.
“Consultation is tokenism by the Hobart City Council,” he said.
“My experience with the Hobart City Council dates back maybe 30 years and what has happened is they claim that they consult.”
“And I have sent letters to the Hobart City Council and they’re actually totally ignored.”
Rockefeller said elected officials hold “very little power” against an organisation with “no boundaries”.
“They need secateurs taken to them,” he said, referencing excessive spending and executive salaries.
Rockefeller reserved his harshest criticism for the Collins Street cycle lane project, branding it “just the stupidest” idea that defies common sense and fails the “pub test”.
“You’re standing up. You are rising up. You’re starting a political movement against absolute nonsense,” he told the room.
“And it doesn’t even matter if you’re a bicycle rider or not. It doesn’t pass the pub test.”
“My only advice is they should be put into administration.”
The meeting, organised by the Confederation of Greater Hobart Business, resolved to initiate an elector poll to gauge public opinion on the issue.
Pulse asked the City of Hobart, which had both councillors and staff in attendance, for comment at the conclusion of the meeting.
A statement from chief executive Michael Stretton defended the Collins Street consultation process, citing face-to-face meetings, door-knocking and other efforts made to engage with the community.
“Ultimately while some changes were able to be made as the result of this feedback not all could be accommodated due to the temporary nature of the trial infrastructure and cost implications,” he said.
“However, there is opportunity to help shape the design and determine what infrastructure should be included if it becomes permanent.”
