News from Council Meeting 24 August 2020

Published on 24 August 2020

A federal government grant will be used to complete the extension of the Intercity Cycleway.

The Australian Government through the National Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program announced an allocation of $685,131 to the City of Hobart to help stimulate the economy, given the impacts of COVID-19.

The $1.25 million cycleway project and associated improvements to the Regatta Grounds car park and stormwater infrastructure had been deferred due to the economic impact of the pandemic.

The Macquarie Point connection (from the John Colvin Stand to Evans Street) was completed last year and there have been numerous approaches to the City requesting construction of the final linkage from McVilly Drive to the Macquarie Point boundary.

The grant will also fund the start of car park and stormwater works, with a further funding allocation to be considered in the 2021-22 capital works budget.

The Hobart City Council has resolved to defer a decision on a planning application for a private hospital at New Town.

The application had been recommended for refusal based on non-compliance with the Hobart Interim Planning Scheme 2015 with regard to the proposed height and scale of the development, and the unreasonable impact it would likely impose on the surrounding residential area.

The deferral will provide an opportunity for the proponent to address the key elements of concern.

A report into the potential development of a council policy and process – in line with that which already exists for the state government – for the registration of lobbyists and developers will be prepared for the Council.

It was noted that such registers already existed at all levels of government within Australia, including the Tasmanian Government. The motion, moved by Alderman Jeff Briscoe, was a modified motion of that proposed by Cr Bill Harvey.

During July, 57 building permits worth an estimated combined value of almost $19 million were issued in the City of Hobart.

Of those, 16 permits were for new dwellings worth more than $6.5 million. A further three approvals were for major projects, worth a combined $7 million.

In the 12 month period to 31 July, a total of 615 permits were issued, worth a combined $227 million.