In a process that began with the Planning for the Future forum in June 2008, the (hopefully) final consultation phase has arrived: the Town Council has put on display for public comment the proposed plans, although they have already selected the projects they want to implement with the $5m allocated by the NT Government.
Says Mayor Damien Ryan: “Because much of the plans involves public places we really wanted to get the whole community’s views on this. It’s an opportunity to literally help shape Alice Springs! So if you have some constructive comments on the plans, we’re eager to hear them.”
And if the public doesn’t like what they see or proposes something quite different, what then? Back to the drawing board? That seems unlikely, so why doesn’t council simply get on with it?
The plans can be viewed at the Civic Centre or via council’s website. For full details go to the connecting @lice site.
All submissions must be made in writing, addressed to the Alice Springs Town Council – Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 1071 Alice Springs, NT 0871 by COB Friday 11 November 2011.
UPDATE: Realistically, revitalisation works could begin in Todd Mall by the middle of next year, says Town Council CEO Rex Mooney. Responses from the public to the current consultation will be considered by Council possibly at its November 28 meeting and if not, on December 12.
Council’s decision to call for further public comment is in line with its public consultation policy, says Mr Mooney. He acknowledges that there has been consultation on the proposals but says when that happened Council had not yet indicated its priorities for implementation – that is, to open the northern end of Todd Mall to traffic and to develop the ‘biodiversity corridor’ in Parsons Street. (See Mike Gillam’s creative brief for Parsons Street, this issue.)
Saturday, April 20, 2024
The freedom of the press still furnishes that check upon government which no constitution has ever been able to provide – Chicago Tribune.
