News from Council Meeting - 7 June 2021

Published on 07 June 2021

Busking and street performance will continue in a range of locations across the city, following the completion of a six-month trial.

Under the trial, a total of 27 locations were identified for busking and street performance to activate public spaces and contribute to a more vibrant city amenity. The hours during which busking was permitted was also extended and guidelines placed around maximum performance time.

Feedback received during the trial period, which ended in March, was generally supportive of the expanded busking program, though some amendments will be made to the busking terms and conditions to address specific concerns raised.

The City will continue to engage with the business community to ensure the busking program contributes positively to city amenity.

A bush walking and cycling track will be altered to improve safety for users and reduce environmental impacts.

Known as Sly Grog Track, the track follows a steep alignment on the eastern slopes of Bicentennial Park.

It is proposed that about 1km of the track, located between Nicholas Fire Trail and Dorney House Fire Trail be realigned to create a more durable track with improved drainage.

The new alignment will be built to a Class 3 standard for walking trails and will better suit cyclists. It is expected that the new section of track will reduce illegal use of adjacent private land by cyclists. The existing section of track will be closed and rehabilitated. 

The Council has backed a proposal for a Taste-style event to take place on the Hobart waterfront this summer, with support from a state government-sponsored Expressions of Interest process.

The Council confirmed it would consider providing equipment through in-kind support and/or financial support.

A report will be presented to Council with the outcome of the EoI to determine what support can be provided.

The Council has endorsed the content of the draft Southern Tasmania Regional Cat Strategy and will call on the state government to provide financial support for its implementation.

The draft strategy was developed by representatives from the majority of the southern councils, the state government, Ten Lives Cat Centre, RSPCA, and the Australian Veterinary Association who collectively comprise the Southern Cat Management Working Group.

Proposed actions include undertaking education and awareness activities about responsible cat ownership, reducing uncontrolled cat breeding, and increasing community compliance with the legal requirements of cat ownership.

An extension of time has been granted for a nine-lot residential development at Mount Nelson.

The project was initially approved in 2018, with a condition that works substantially commence within two years. A six-month extension was granted in November 2020.

The further two-year extension was sought by the proponent, due to delays associated with gaining engineering approval.