As a life-long Tasmanian who has lived in different parts of the state, I have seen many aspects of our beautiful island grow and change over the years.
While some of these changes have been overwhelmingly positive for Tasmanians, others have challenged the way we want to live and interact, making it difficult to access the basics such as affordable healthcare and opportunities to maintain our mental and physical wellbeing.
As our population continues to grow, particularly in Greater Hobart, these challenges will only become more acute unless we have a holistic plan for the future of our region.
I have always taken immense pride in our great state. We punch above our weight, live in very connected communities, and we look after each other.
Growth in Greater Hobart, particularly in the past 10 years, has seen many people come to live and enjoy this great city, but regional planning has not had the foresight to keep pace with the growing demands of the community.
If we are to believe the population forecasts, more people will want to relocate to Greater Hobart, meaning if we continue with short-term disconnected planning, the amenity of the region we have valued so much in the past will erode.
It is critical that we understand the city’s attributes that the community values most through genuine and inclusive consultation and engagement.
For me, I would like to see a city with inviting green spaces that enable and encourage our communities to connect and lead active and healthy lives, forming a critical part of St Lukes’ vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.
From the very start at St Lukes, we have known that success can only be achieved by working in collaboration with organisations and individuals that share our commitment to forward-thinking, innovation and big ideas.
The Committee for Greater Hobart embodies this, which is why we are so proud to have signed on as Foundation Members.
It is encouraging the Committee has started its work with an acknowledgement that social factors such as health and wellbeing are critical to economic opportunity and growth. You can’t have one without the other.
That alone sets the Committee apart from organisations that have come before it. It does not elevate one sector’s interests over another, and it seeks to empower the broader community to have a say over their future.
We can bring the community together through a shared vision for the region that balances the needs of our long-time residents with the aspirations of our newer ones and younger generations, as they look to forge their own identities in this great place.
By improving the connectivity and livability of the region, a place where the environment and how we connect with it is part of the fabric of our plans, we can enhance people’s sense of health and wellbeing, and making Greater Hobart the most liveable region in the country.
If you are interested in joining us to develop a plan for the future liveability of Greater Hobart, enquire about membership today.
