The Herald
Sun is reporting online this evening that Robert Doyle has resigned as
Melbourne Lord Mayor. The circumstances of Mr. Doyle’s departure are complex
and beyond the assessment of this humble website but one point needs to be
made.
When three
traders attended Mr.Doyle’s office some 6 years ago, seeking investment in our
market he left us with little doubt that he wanted The Queen Victoria Market to
survive and prosper. Previous generations of City Councils had taken from the
market and given little back. Mr Doyle intended to correct that and instituted,
along with City Council, a program of renewal.
There has
since been much debate over the intent, and the process of a $250m renewal. There
have been many different opinions about what should be done, how it should be
done, and what the result will be. We have come a significant way down the
track although for traders of course it is all taking far too long.
The question
now is how many other champions exist in CoM to ensure the process of renewal
(in whatever shape that ends up) is allowed to continue its course. The City of
Melbourne has shown itself to be a very professional organisation and there is
strong involvement in QVM activities from across the executive team.
Traders will
watch the process of electing a new Lord Mayor with great interest, particularly
if there is to be any impact on our beloved market and the re-investment in its
future. Let’s just hope we don’t become a political pawn as part of the
process.
By Greg
Smith