Elise Archer MP

Today in State Parliament, I moved a motion calling on the Labor-Green Government to start working with community groups who will be displaced following the Glenorchy City Council’s decision to sub-lease the Glenorchy Civic Centre.

I also tabled a petition that included 399 representations from the people of Tasmania concerned about this decision.

On 19 July 2010, the Glenorchy City Council voted to investigate sub-leasing the Centre in order to compensate for financial difficulties facing the Council. This decision left a number of community groups that relied on the affordable and accessible facility out in the cold.

Many of these groups, such as the School for Seniors, will struggle to find suitable alternative locations. The Centre easily accommodates the average 80 to 90 people who attend the School for Seniors, many of whom have hearing difficulties, which the Centre caters for with an audio loop, and require direct access to public transport that is conveniently located near-by.

The work done by these community groups cannot be underestimated and if the Labor-Green Government doesn’t step in to help, it will reflect poorly on their commitment to the Glenorchy community, and their capacity to deliver for local communities.

I hope to gain the full support of Parliament to secure the future of this Centre, which is a vital need to the Glenorchy community.

A copy of the motion is included below:

I give notice that on tomorrow I shall move, that the House:

1. Notes the Glenorchy City Council’s proposal by a decision made on Monday 19 July 2010 to look at sub-leasing the Glenorchy Civic Centre, leaving many community groups, including the Glenorchy School for Seniors, Glenorchy and Moonah Probus Clubs, Glenorchy Christian Outreach Centre and the Glenorchy Pensioners Unions, without a suitable venue for their meetings and activities;
2. Supports the retention of the Glenorchy Civic Centre as a wonderful public venue which provides a fully-equipped, centrally locates venue for a range of groups to support the needs of Glenorchy residents and community groups;
3. Recognises that the viability of some of these community services is now in question;
4. Calls on the Labor-Green Government to work with the Glenorchy City Council to reconsider its decision and to also work with the affected community groups if they do require alternative venues should the Glenorchy City Council proceed to sub-lease the Glenorchy Civic Centre.

Elise Archer MP
Shadow Minister for Community Development
Wednesday, 1 September 2010