“It’s the philosophical issue that there’s something special, unique about this place.  It’s a very fragile commodity, so the negative impact of this proposal was worthy of comment.”

Award-winning Hobart architect, Professor Robert Morris-Nunn, appeared on Friday at the Hearings in relation to the proposed Ralphs Bay canal estate.

In his responses to cross-examination by the Walker Corporation’s lawyer, Professor Morris-Nunn said, “It comes back to what is special, unique – the qualities that bring people to live here.  It would be unfortunate to have a deterioration of that quality.”

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Asked by the Walker lawyer, “Is this a precedent, a boundary we shouldn’t cross?” Professor Morris-Nunn replied, “In essence, yes.”

Pressed further, with the question, “You’d still say, one canal estate is one too many for Tasmania?” Professor Morris-Nunn said, “I would.”

Professor Morris-Nunn also made reference to the windiness of the site, which he described as, “problematic.”

When asked by members of the RPDC panel about the nature of the proposed development, Professor Morris-Nunn stated, “It would be a very artificial community, which is unfortunate.  It would create a ghetto, a gated community.”

The Hearings continue throughout the coming week.

Media enquiries: 

Jane MacDonald 0406 993 425 (SRB Communication Coordinator)
Jess Feehely 0400 803 262 (Environmental Defenders’ Office; part of the SRB legal team)