News from the Council meeting - 25 September 2023

News from the Council meeting - 25 September 2023

Published on 25 September 2023

Central Hobart Plan – Finalisation Report

The Hobart City Council has endorsed the Central Hobart Plan (CHP) final draft.

The CHP is the result of the partnership work between the City of Hobart, the Tasmanian Government and the community.

It is a comprehensive plan to guide the future development of central Hobart over the next 20 years in a way that will strengthen what’s great about Hobart, and what makes the city liveable and distinctive.

An implementation plan will be developed which will document actions and monitor progress of the CHP, with progress to be reported to the council on an annual basis. The City of Hobart looks forward to working with the Tasmanian Government to finalise the document.

Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre – Warm Water Pool Project Update

The Hobart City Council will continue to lobby funding partners and stakeholders for additional funding for the construction of the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre.

However, should no additional state or federal government funding be forthcoming by 30 November 2023, then the council will advise the state and federal governments that it is not able to proceed with the project.

Warm water pools are essential community health infrastructure and enable the delivery of a range of therapies to people with chronic health issues, acute and sub-acute rehabilitation needs and to at risk people to prevent chronic disease.

Within Southern Tasmania there is currently a shortage of warm water pools suitable for hydrotherapy.

The project is strongly supported by a broad range of stakeholders and importantly will deliver measurable health benefits for Tasmanians, including quality of life outcomes for older people and people with disabilities or injuries.

Proposed 2023-24 Financial Year Capital Works Program

The Hobart City Council has endorsed the $35 million 2023-24 Capital Works Program. Of that total, about $21 million (or 67 per cent) of projects on the priority list are carried forward from the 2022-23 capital works projects.

The total budget is consistent with the City’s historical delivery of projects.

Included in the priorities are the $1.5m Queenborough Oval upgrade that will bring new public toilets, unisex changerooms and a viewing deck to the ground, and the $1.395m extension of bicycle facilities in Argyle and Campbell streets to encourage safe bicycle and micro mobility use in the CBD while alleviating traffic congestion.

Rates and Charges Policy Amendment – Vacant Residential Land Rates Remission Incentives

The Hobart City Council has amended its Rates and Charges Policy to introduce part rates remission for vacant residential land under development and to incentivise the development of residential vacant land on certain grounds.

The rates remission will be available for application once the correct planning and building permits have been obtained.

The amendment will also allow the City of Hobart CEO to approve applications for rate remissions up to $8,000.

Rate remissions sought higher than $8000 will need to be approved by a majority of the Hobart City Council.

Key City of Hobart long-term strategies approved

The Hobart City Council has reviewed and endorsed the refreshed Capital City Strategic Plan and approved the City Economy Strategy 2023-28.

The purpose of the Capital City Strategic Plan is to present council with the feedback and the key themes that came through during the community engagement process. The strategic plan is the City’s primary planning document and outlines the outcomes the City is aiming to achieve over a ten-year period.

The new City Economy Strategy 2023-2028 is the City’s whole of organisation economic development strategy.

The strategy sets out high level economic development priorities to guide funding and support initiatives.

Community Engagement Framework and Policy

The Hobart City Council has endorsed a new Community Engagement Policy and Framework, following a strategic review of its community engagment practices.

The City also undertook a community engagement process to understand from the community what their experience in engaging with the City was, any barriers to particpation and how the City could encourage greater participation in engagement activities.

Enhancing opportunities for community engagement will allow the Council to make well informed decisions leading to better community outcomes.

Personal Mobility Device (PMD) Fee Structure

The Hobart City Council has approved the issuing of Personal Mobility Device (PMD) permits at a rate of 50 cents per e-scooter per day with a minimum of 500 e-scooters per day.

This operator fee is based on cost recovery and considers officer time to manage PMD services, parking infrastructure and community and stakeholder education and engagement.

The PMD permit will be issued annually with the fee structure adjusted each year as required.

Hobart Community Awards – Review

Due to an increasingly low number of nominations for the Hobart Community Awards, the City of Hobart has resolved to cease operating the Hobart Community Awards Program and reallocate resources towards an expanded Community Volunteer Recognition Program to be delivered to celebrate International Volunteers Day on 5 December and recognise City of Hobart volunteers.

Other Councils are also facing similar challenges with receiving submissions for their awards.