News from tonight’s council meeting 11 November 2024

Published on 13 November 2024

Macquarie Point Multipurpose Stadium Project of State Significance - Integrated Assessment Notification and Consultation Request

The Council has endorsed a letter to be submitted to the Tasmanian Planning Commission regarding the Development Application for the Macquarie Point Multipurpose Stadium Project.

The letter requests more time and information so a considered response may be submitted on the project.

The Council has expressed concern regarding several essential infrastructure projects that have been excluded from the application.

These include the road, pedestrian bridge and bus mall, which raises concern about whether the application is compliant with the POSS Order.

Additionally, the letter outlines several other topics such as the ‘Aboriginal Culturally Informed Zone’ and heritage impacts that the Council is seeking further information on. 

Without a Collins Street Active Travel Bridge being built, two lanes of Davey Street will need to be closed for pedestrian safety during events, impacting traffic.

Council have requested further detailed modelling be undertaken to understand the impacts on the Hobart CBD, further requesting the Commission seek clarity from the government as to how the network will function if the bridge is not included in the application.

The Council also requested a noise and vibration assessment for the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s Federation Hall nearby and more details on waste removal, including the frequency and volume. 

Response to Development Assessment Panel (Draft Bill)

This State Government bill proposes independent panels to assess certain complex development applications, shifting decision-making away from local councils.

The City of Hobart’s response stresses that planning should remain with local councils, as they best understand local needs.

It also highlights issues with the bill, such as unclear processes and excessive power given to the Minister.

The Hobart City Council has endorsed this response. 

Stormwater System Management Plan

The City of Hobart will create a Stormwater System Management Plan to better understand and manage the city's stormwater system.

The plan will be updated with new information once the City’s flood risk mapping is completed, as part of the Integrated Hazard Vulnerability Assessment Project, which is funded by the Federal Government's Disaster Ready Fund. 

2024-25 Financial Statements

The City of Hobart’s 2023-24 Financial Statements show a strong financial performance.

The City has made an operating surplus of $10.5 million and an underlying surplus of $7.5 million.

The City has increased cash reserves to $72.7 million, reduced its loan balance to $39.9 million, and seen total assets grow to $3.4 billion.

Total liabilities have decreased to $87.8 million. 

City of Hobart Mid-Term Report

See separate media release.

Collins Street Tactical Bicycle Infrastructure Trial Engagement Report Notice of Motion - Cr Zelinda Sherlock and Cr Bill Harvey

The City of Hobart will share the Engagement Report on the Collins Street Bicycle Infrastructure Trial with the Confederation of Greater Hobart Business, helping inform the confederation of the engagement process and findings.

The City will also invite the Confederation to discuss any concerns with Council officers to clarify the trial's scope and limitations.

Additionally, Council officers will prepare a report on the costs, issues, and possible timelines for extending the operating hours of Centrepoint and other Council-owned multi-storey carparks in the CBD.

An amendment was also received and endorsed, requiring a report be prepared for the Council to explore options for keeping loading zones and parking between Victoria and Murray Street as part of the planned trial adjustments over 3, 6, or 12 months.