Last year, an initiative called Pedestrian Sundays saw several of Kensington's main thoroughfares blocked to traffic, with the city's blessing and more than $30,000 in funding from taxpayers.
Pedestrians took over the narrow streets, while musicians and street entertainers performed for free.
The problem this year? The initiative didn't receive any funding, even though it reduced its request to $12,000 - because suburban councillors grouped it with street festivals in their own districts which didn't receive funding.
Fortunately, there's a familiar name on council still pushing for funding:
Councillor Olivia Chow...argues that the whole project has been misunderstood by some of her fellow councillors.
Pedestrian Sundays shouldn't be looked at as a street festival, she argued in an interview.
Instead, the initiative is an example of how people can live, work and shop without cars in compact areas of the city like Kensington, Chow said. That means cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Note that the business community is split on this one, as the drive for more car-free days is being led by a restauranteur. An idea which seems at worst neutral for business, and which has obvious health, environmental and cultural benefits, is being rejected solely based on a small price tag. I'm sure suburban street festival organizers feel much better knowing that.
Free cars Sundays have brought a breath of fresh air to our city, fostering a sense of community and sustainability. It's a weekly reminder of the joys of walking and cycling, promoting a healthier and more vibrant urban environment. Regards: Cash for Cars Brisbane Rocklea QLD
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