REPORT: Public Meeting Called By Concerned Citizens of Launceston February 9

An informal group of concerned citizens, ratepayers and residents convened a public meeting at the Tramshed Function Centre last Tuesday evening February 9 at 7 PM. 

The Mayor and Aldermen were invited to attend. Two Aldermen were in attendance, Ald. McKendrick and Ald. Sands, and their attendance was very much appreciated by those present. 

Importantly, the meeting was a community meeting, initiated and funded by a growing network of concerned community members living and conducting businesses the Launceston municipality. 

The meeting was facilitated and chaired Hon Rosemary Armitage MLC. As chairperson she ably maintained the independence and integrity of the meeting throughout its proceedings. 

Those attending the meeting represented a broad cross section of the community all of whom were provided with the opportunity to freely engage and contest a wide range of issues that emerged during the meeting. 

A diverse range of views were presented and discussed. After considerable deliberation the meeting resolved to move just one motion. It is as follows: 

“That this group of people identifying themselves as ratepayers and residents of the City of Launceston calls upon Council to rescind the Motion passed by full Council Meeting 9th November 2015 Item 20-20.1 To transfer land known as Willis Street Car Park and old Velodrome site at Inveresk to UTas for free gift.” 

Furthermore, it was requested that Council respond to the meeting via a media release within 30 days.

The meeting resolved that a number of issues and proposed resolutions should be set aside for further consideration following Council’s response to this meeting’s submission to Council as advised here.

Among the issues set aside were:

• That the land being offered to UTas be placed on the open market with a reserve price of $5million;
• That Council adopt a policy that all assets surplus to Council requirements be sold on the open market as well as being advertised Tasmania wide and nationally;
• That Launceston City Council and Taswater reject any development in the Inveresk and Invermay areas that adds to the sewerage and stormwater load being handled by pumping stations sending sewerage and stormwater to the Ti-Tree Treatment Plant.

Given the current state of affairs it is anticipated that other consequent issues may well emerge that will warrant community action to protect the interests of Launceston's citizens.

The group that convened the meeting have agreed to continue to liaise with the growing network 'concerned citizens' on these and related issues.