Roads, rates and rubbish will always be at the heart of the Hobart City Council, but it is also about preparing for a sustainable and vibrant future.
The Council has endorsed the 2024-25 budget, prioritising a balance between essential services and future-oriented projects.
"Hobart is committed to roads, rates, and rubbish," said Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds.
"But our vision is also for a modern, thriving city that addresses the needs of today while planning for tomorrow."
The $180.4 million operating budget results in a small deficit of $1.2 million and includes a five per cent rate increase and a $35.8 million capital works spend.
"Our rate increase will be among the smallest in Tasmania," Cr Reynolds said.
"A five per cent increase will ensure that we're able to pay for the higher costs of materials, while actively managing our operational costs to ensure we provide our services efficiently.
"This works out to be about $2.80 extra per week for the average residential ratepayer."
Rates will be invested into important city basics.
Your rates at work
- $3.7 million for waste management, including collecting 23 687 bins, processing 11 000 tonnes of recycling and 10 000 tonnes of food and organics waste.
- $4.5 million to clean our city.
- $15.2 million to maintain almost 300kms of roads and 412kms of footpaths.
- Our parks, playgrounds and sports fields will receive $4 million to ensure they are managed well. In addition there will be $3.5 million in new upgrades for Queenborough Oval in Sandy Bay and $1.5 million for the Hobart Aquatic Centre
- Almost $4.6 million will be provided to support our community with community events, creative and sustainability grants and community programs.
Due to careful budget management and planning, the City of Hobart can invest in new assets to enhance the city's environment, including a new pollution trap to reduce the chance of plastic escaping from the waste management centre and ending up in the Hobart Rivulet.
In collaboration with the Glenorchy City Council, we are rewilding the mouth of the New Town Rivulet. This project will result in a healthier river and more flood-resilient waterways.
And $100 000 will be invested in tree planting over the next year to ensure Hobart's streets and parks are greener, cleaner and cooler.
Improving transportation is a significant strategic issue for Hobart. While the Tasmanian Government manages public transport, there are steps the City can take to enhance choices for our community.
In this year's budget, $4 million from a federal grant will be invested into ferry terminals to facilitate the expansion of ferry services, explore the design of a future Battery Point walkway and enhance the cycling and active transport network by implementing an adjustable trial on Collins Street.
"So, thank you to the contribution that you are making to our beautiful city," Cr Reynolds said.
"Your rates are an investment in the management of Hobart."
To find out more about this year's Budget please see the Budget page.
