News from Council Meeting - 22 November 2021
Published on 22 November 2021
2020-21 Annual Report adopted
The City of Hobart’s 2020-21 Annual Report was tabled for adoption at this evening’s Annual General Meeting.
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the year had been defined by the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The past year has again been challenging with the continuing COVID-19 pandemic affecting much of what we do,” she said. “This reporting year saw us in the midst of the pandemic and the last part of the year was dedicated to social and economic recovery.
“Despite the challenges, it was also a year of achievements, many of which are highlighted throughout the Annual Report.
“It was particularly heartening that Hobart has continued to attract a lot of development interest, despite the pandemic.”
In 2020-21, 841 planning permits were issued to the combined estimated value of $330.7 million.
Of the 99 actions included in the Annual Plan for 2020-21, 61 per cent were successfully completed and a further 34 per cent are currently under way.
Highlights from 2020-21 included the refurbishment of the leisure pool and children’s pool at the Doone Kennedy Aquatic Centre; the completion of a $2 million makeover of Fern Tree Park; upgrading of the Big Bend fire trail on kunanyi / Mount Wellington; completion of the upgrades to the Elizabeth Street Bus Mall; replacement of the Argyle Street Car Park lifts; and construction of a new roundabout to improve safety at Queens Domain.
During the year, the Council endorsed the Sustainable Hobart Action Plan, which contains 42 actions to reduce the City’s environmental footprint and boost resilience; and introduced a 40km/h speed limit in the CBD to improve safety for all road users.
The Annual Report can be viewed on the City of Hobart’s website.
Bushfire strategy endorsed
The City of Hobart’s Bushfire Management Strategy, along with a simplified version for community use, has been endorsed by the Council.
The Bushfire Management Strategy outlines the City’s operational and strategic plans for protection from the impact of bushfire.
It also explains the elements that drive fire and determine fire behaviour in Hobart and outlines what action can be taken to affect these elements and reduce risk.
In addition, Preparing for Fire: Action Plan for Bushfire is a plain English, simplified version of the strategy that provides greater detail on action to be taken by households in preparing for bushfires.
The endorsement of final strategy follows public consultation earlier this year that led to amendments based on public feedback.
The strategy and Preparing for Fire: Action Plan for Bushfire will be made available via the City of Hobart’s website.
Planning and building permits
During the month of October 2021, the City of Hobart approved 52 planning applications for projects worth a combined $10 million. These included five new detached homes and 15 multiple dwellings.
During the same period, 54 building permits were issued worth a combined $14 million.
A total 796 planning permits were issued worth an estimated $277 million in the 12-month period to October 2021
In that same 12 months, 622 building permits were issued with a combined value of $247 million.
More space for rowing club
The Sandy Bay Rowing Club will have its lease area extended to improve safety and access for club members.
A small area of land around the clubhouse will come under the existing lease, ensuring access to the boat launching area and allowing the club to install seating for their members and to improve landscaping.