Elise Archer MP

The importance of maintaining Hobart as the Antarctic gateway is incredibly important in maintaining a working port for the city of Hobart. Although many definitions of a ‘working port’  exist and are regularly quoted, I believe we must, at the very least, protect the minimum boundary for a working port and ensure the wharf does not continue to fall into disrepair.

Hobart is one of the deepest ports in the Southern Hemisphere and it saddens me, and no doubt many others, to see the port in its current dilapidated and neglected condition, including many areas of decay and rust. It is also frustrating to only hear the working port defined to include the operation of cruise ships and Antarctic vessels, albeit both important services which should be maintained.

I believe that maintaining Hobart as a working port and preserving the reputation the city of Hobart has on a world scale is about striking the right balance between numerous industries, businesses and social activity.

What happened to a working port that loads and unloads container ships as well as a diversity of jobs, and continued and new opportunities for business?

Hobart is currently home to a significant percentage of Australia’s Antarctic scientists, as well as national and international organisations, but it must not be forgotten that a true working port is vital to Hobart’s attraction as a tourist destination and a gateway to our state’s rich heritage. Tourists expect to see fishing vessels alongside the businesses that sell their produce. They expect to walk into restaurants and cafes that sell our island produce. And yes, they expect pedestrian access to the wharf apron - but not at the expense of a working port with reasonable and necessary vehicular access in the absence of alternative passenger transport options.

Urban design within the port is well intended but it must be developed harmoniously with the many and varied wharf activities, rather than in competition with it. It must also maintain connectivity with the CBD. It is this ‘balance’ which must be protected to maintain the unique character and charm of Hobart’s wharf.

The Sullivan’s Cove Master Plan vision statement promises to maintain “a modern dynamic water front, a vibrant social, cultural, and creative hub, a working port and a thriving educational and research centre, an area with active public spaces and a diverse range of commercial activities, and above all, a place for people.”

I hope it strikes the right balance and that future development in Sullivan’s Cove is sensitive to all surrounding port activities. As Shadow Minister for Planning, I also have a concern about the veracity of the Master Plan because this document is not legally enforceable and need not be observed or applied by the relevant planning authority when considering development applications.

It is also concerning that the Master Plan states future development will be guided by focusing on three ideas, namely:

1. Knowledge and Living City;
2. Polar and Marine Gateway; and
3. Integrating Urban Space.

It would appear from the above areas that a working port may not be so widely defined in the Master Plan as encompassing traditional wharf activities. The more recently developed polar and marine gateway activities are, of course, critical to Hobart and I only hope that these activities develop in conjunction with (not at the expense of) other wharf activities.