 |
| CLIK ON THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE |
Hobart Alderman Marti Zucco laments controversial tree design change
BLAIR RICHARDS STATE POLITICAL REPORTER MERCURY NOVEMBER 23, 2015 12:00AM
A HOBART Alderman has distanced himself from Hobart’s controversial avant-garde Christmas tree and questioned how the design was approved.
Alderman Marti Zucco, who was absent from the council meeting where the tree was approved, said Hobart had ended up with a tree nothing like the original design.
“I am totally gobsmacked how the Council has ended up being the ridicule of the country and its dignity tarnished,” Ald Zucco said.
Ald Zucco was overseas when the council decided to proceed with the tree.
However, he said he understood the first tree design shown to the council was originally costed at $30,000, before being revised up to $70,000 after being properly costed.
Ald Zucco said a new design was then created and built at a cost of $35,000, without the approval of the full council.
“In the interests of transparency we need to know why these matters occurred and why the full Council was not given the final approval of what has been constructed. As a Council we may have decided to go in another direction. In both the type of tree to be installed and the end cost, if the design had been presented to Council again,” he said.Ald Hickey blasted Ald Zucco for being publicly critical of the tree after having no involvement in the design process.
“If he’s not going to be there he can still contribute by sending emails to other aldermen, which he didn’t do,” she said. ..... “The kids have decorated the tree with love and hope and it’s the community tree we always wanted it to be,” she said.
MORE: HCC REVAMPS CHRISTMAS CHEER
MORE: LORD MAYOR DEFENDS CHRISTMAS TREE
MORE: FESTIVE LOOK, NO ARTY TREE
MORE: PUBLIC REMAINS UNCERTAIN ABOUT ARTY CHRISTMAS TREE
1 comment:
Launceston’s Christmas tree is very very boring compared to Hobart’s. OK Hobart’s is a little strange but MONA is in Hobart and the people there get innovation and the fun of difference. Whereas Lonnie’s Yucky-Placky Christmas tree wins hands down in the mindlessly boring stakes. But more to the point the Lonnie tree has the propensity to catch fire. As the vandals move in, the council turns up with great big fences and platforms to keep them away. The outcome of course is there is now a challenge for the young people Launceston’s council doesn‘t know how to service and provide diversions for. So 9 to the vandles an 1 to the council. AND yes its 10 points to Hobart and 2 to Launceston for trying, and that is being very trying in the I’ve got a better Christmas tree than you competition that is. I ask you City Heart what is that all about? Self congratulations?
Post a Comment