The City of Hobart and Glenorchy City Councils were urging both major political parties to address the funding disparity affecting safe seats like Clark before the federal election.
Based on a desktop search of social media and media announcements –throughout the election campaign, it would appear that Clark received only $12 million of commitments, equating to just seven projects or initiatives in total.
This in comparison to a whopping total of over $157 million worth of commitments in Bass, and $409 million in the electorate of Lyons. Thereby, leaving Clark grossly and unfairly underfunded.
While both Councils have already had some small early win’s, there are still a number of advocacy priorities that have been overlooked.
With just days left until polling day, both mayors called on the Liberal and Labor parties to prioritise fair funding that is based on genuine need rather than political strategy.
“As Tasmania’s capital, our Hobart community, deserves its fair share of federal investment,”
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.
“Our community’s basic infrastructure needs are just as important as those in marginal seats.
“We urge all federal candidates to support these city-shaping projects that both protect and will enhance the lives of our residents and future-proof Hobart for generations to come.
“It’s time to deliver fairer funding that makes a profound difference to our community and visitors from all around the state and elsewhere for decades.
“We need solid strategic and most importantly, fair funding decisions that deliver solid infrastructure that serves communities across entire regions.”
Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey said the situation with the aquatic facilities was a perfect example of what the lack of federal funding is costing our community.
“Our current pool, built in the 1960s, is outdated,” she said.
“For $84 million, we can build a facility that will serve our community and neighbouring areas for the next 40 years.
“We need the federal government to fund this investment.
“Just because we don’t sit in a marginal seat doesn’t mean our community infrastructure needs aren’t important.”
