News from tonight’s council meeting

Published on 19 March 2024

Sale of Part of Selfs Point (Land)

The Hobart City Council has endorsed the sale of part of its property at Self’s Point to Tasmanian Water & Sewerage Corporation Pty Ltd for $1,360,668.02. The Chief Executive Officer is authorized to negotiate the sale contract and conduct the statutory consultation process required by law. If objections are received during the consultation, the sale will be conditional upon resolving them.

Development Application Fees to be removed for Public Art – Cr Anna Reynolds

The Hobart City Council will waive the Development Application fee for public art and murals on private property facing into public space. This decision aims to encourage public art commissions by removing financial barriers while ensuring proper planning oversight. The move aligns with the City's support for street art and cultural vibrancy, as outlined in the Public Art Framework and inspired by similar actions taken by the City of Launceston Council. By facilitating public art projects, the Council demonstrates its commitment to enriching the community's cultural experience and supporting local artists. Property Owners will still be required to cover external advertising fees. It is recommended that property owners contact our Duty Planner during business hours to check whether a planning permit is required for a proposal. The development fee waiver for public art will be reviewed in 12 months to assess its long-term viability and a strategic communications plan will be developed to educate and inform the community as to what public art is exempt from charges relating to development applications and what is not.

City of Hobart lease agreement changes for Southern Tasmanian Badminton Centre (101 Cascade Road)

The Southern Tasmanian Badminton Centre is located on land owned by the Crown but currently leased to Council for a period of 99 years expiring in 2068. The Southern Tasmanian Badminton Association (STBA) has occupied the Centre since 1963 with an approved sub-lease arrangement in place since that time. The Crown has advised that sub-leasing is no longer permitted under the current lease. After exploring options with Crown officers and discussing with the STBA, the City of Hobart will relinquish the lease to address these issues. The change in lease arrangement opens the door for the STBA to lease directly from the Crown, which it has advised it will seek to do.

Updates to the City of Hobart Financial Hardship Assistance Policy and new rates SMS Reminder Service

The Hobart City Council has approved the outcomes of a review of the City’s Financial Hardship Assistance Policy as part of the broader review of its rating and valuation strategy. Council has rescinded the City of Hobart Policy – Rates Postponements, to be replaced by the existing City of Hobart Financial Hardship Assistance Policy, which enables Council to provide assistance to ratepayers who are suffering financial hardship and support those with least capacity to pay, on application, with rate postponements, payment arrangements and remission of late payment penalties and interest. Additionally, a proposal to introduce an opt-in SMS notification service to remind ratepayers when rate instalments are due will be introduced. Council decisions from this review will inform the development of the Rating and Valuation Strategy.