News from tonight’s Hobart City Council meeting 31 March 2025
Published on 01 April 2025
Transforming Collins Street – Options to retain loading zone and parking opportunities between Victoria and Murray Street
After an extensive engagement process, the Hobart City Council agreed to retain some loading zones and on-street parking in line with its resolution of 11 November, 2024. The concept design for this section of Collins Street will feature a northbound cycleway only, southbound road markings (sharrows), and the retention of existing kerbside use on the southbound side between Victoria and Murray streets. An amendment was also supported to prepare a report o on Council's potential options for pursuing the reinstatement of the $170,000 State grant funding.
Dark Mofo Sponsorship and In-Kind Support
The City will continue its successful relationship with Dark Mofo after Council approved a one-year sponsorship agreement with DarkLab for the festival. It includes $150,000 in cash and $313,110 in in-kind support for the Winter Feast ‘Free Sunday’ Community Day. This sponsorship grants the City of Hobart exclusive naming rights and various promotional benefits. The Council will also review its funding for future Dark Mofo festivals to assess community benefits and value. Dark Mofo provides significant value to the City and has a proven track record in attracting interstate and international visitation to the state, with $51.5 million injected into Hobart’s economy annually.
Safer Hobart Alliance
A Safer Hobart Alliance (SHA) will be established as a strategic advisory committee to enhance community safety in the CBD and Salamanca. The SHA will replace existing safety committees, bringing together key stakeholders, including Tasmania Police, government agencies, and business representatives, to collaborate on crime prevention and safety initiatives. Community safety is not the sole responsibility of local government or any single organisation, so a collaborative approach is required to tackle this issue. Ald Louise Bloomfield will chair the alliance, with a focus on implementing safety recommendations and fostering a safer city environment.
Salamanca Place Amplified Music Trial
The City of Hobart’s will continue with amplified music in Salamanca Place following the completion of a successful 12-month trial but with increased hours. Occupation licences will be updated from the 2025/26 financial year to allow amplified music Monday to Friday (4pm–8pm), Saturday (6pm–8pm), and Sunday (12pm–8pm). The Chief Executive Officer is also authorised to trial similar initiatives in other suitable locations.
Development fees for Art and Murals facing public space
The City of Hobart will continue waiving development application fees for public art and murals on private property facing public spaces, supporting community benefit and encouraging more artworks. This policy will be reflected in the 2025/26 fees and charges. The City will develop a communication plan to promote public art and murals and share this with elected members at a future Hobart workshop.
Development Assessment Panel – Revised Draft Bill
The City of Hobart will resubmit its previous submission on the Development Assessment Panel, reaffirming concerns that the proposal lacks a strong evidentiary basis, impacts City of Hobart staffing and finances, and reduces community involvement in planning. Alternative solutions should be considered, and greater engagement with local government is needed.
Local Government Electoral Bill
The City will submit feedback to the Office of Local Government on the Local Government Electoral Bill, supporting various reforms aimed at improving election accessibility, transparency, and integrity while opposing certain provisions, such as changes to the Deputy Mayor election process and granting the Tasmanian Electoral Commission investigative powers. A full list of the proposed reforms can be found on this Council meeting’s agenda. An amendment was agreed that the Council request legislative changes allowing optional voting for residents aged 16 and 17.
Remaking of Local Government Regulations
The City will submit feedback to the Office of Local Government supporting the proposed remaking of the Local Government (General) Regulations 2015 and Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015. The Council supports the proposed changes and has provided specific comments on their implementation. A full list of the proposed reforms can be found on this Council meeting’s agenda.
Public Meeting Responses to Collins Street Bicycle Lanes
The City of Hobart acknowledges the outcomes of the Public Meeting on 25 March 2025 regarding the Collins Street Tactical Cycleway Trial. Of the four motions considered, Motion 2 was carried, while Motions 1, 3, and 4 were lost. These results are recorded in accordance with section 60A (5) of the Local Government Act 1993. An amendment was endorsed for the City to develop a public meeting policy for future use.
EV Charging Policy Notice of Motion – Cr Zelinda Sherlock
The City is developing an EV charging policy as part of the Hobart Transport Strategy and the 2040 Climate Ready Hobart Strategy. The City will share home safe charging options available to residents to charge EV’s on the City of Hobart website. In addition, the city will collaborate with relevant stakeholders and provide an update to the next meeting of the Transport Committee.
Cornelian Bay Water Quality Notice of Motion – Cr Ryan Posselt and Cr Zelinda Sherlock
The City will collaborate with the Derwent Estuary Program to monitor water quality in Cornelian Bay and identify areas for remediation. A report will be provided outlining options to improve water quality and restore Cornelian Bay as a primary contact recreational site. In addition, a letter will be sent to the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Minister for Defence and Industries, Shadow Minister for Defence and Industries and Andrew Wilkie MP, to advocate for funding as part of the federal election towards remediating the bay and reinstalling sand at Cornelian Bay.