News from Council Meeting - 22 March 2021

Published on 22 March 2021

The Council has resolved to not support plans amended by the Resource Management Planning Appeal Tribunal in relation to a redevelopment of the Lenna of Hotel in Battery Point.

The amended proposal still does not meet the permitted standards under the Sullivans Cove Planning Scheme 1997 and fails to conserve the traditional urban pattern of the historic Sullivans Cove area.

“The Sullivans Cove planning scheme recognises and protects the character of the world-class Hobart waterfront and Salamanca precinct,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.

“The Council resolution aims to ensure development in this precinct does not detract from or overwhelm the heritage and character of the area.”

The City of Hobart will submit a motion to the Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly seeking support to protect communities from an over-supply of telecommunications infrastructure.

The motion requests the LGA National Assembly call on the Australian Government to ensure a fair balance is made between the requirements of telecommunications carriers to roll out 5G technology and the protection of public spaces from a proliferation of intrusive infrastructure.

In particular, concerns have been raised regarding councils’ ability to manage the amenity of public spaces under a recommendation that would classify telecommunication infrastructure as “low impact installations”.

The City of Hobart issued 46 building permits with a combined value of more than $17 million during the month of February.

They included seven new homes and two commercial building projects worth $3.95 million and $3 million respectively in Elizabeth Street and Sandy Bay Road.

In the 12 months ending February 2020, there were 655 permits issued with a combined value of $188.17 million. Despite the impacts of COVID-19, this total exceeds the number of permits issued during the previous 12 months (599).

Council will consider its method of ongoing assistance for ratepayers financially impacted by COVID-19 at its meeting next week.

A temporary COVID-19 Financial Hardship Assistance Policy that was introduced at the height of the pandemic offering support measures such as rates remission, had been flagged for cessation on 31 March.

If residents or businesses owners are experiencing difficulty paying their rates, they can apply for rates relief under the existing policy.

Information on how to apply for financial hardship assistance can be found at hobartcity.com.au/rates-assistance.