News from Council Meeting - 5 July 2021

Published on 05 July 2021

New grants support local businesses

A new grant has been established to help Hobart businesses expand their activities.

The Local Business for a Better Community grant is designed to assist small businesses in delivering projects or programs that provide a community benefit while helping to build a new customer base.

Eligible projects might include hosting workshops or demonstrations on how to use sustainable products, provision of store space for interactive community activities, or educational tasting experiences with local producers.

Hobart-based small businesses will be able to apply for up to $5000 in grant funding, matched dollar-for-dollar by the applicant. The grant will open as part of the City of Hobart’s biannual grant round in August.

Funds sought for New Town improvements

The partially completed New Town retail precinct upgrade will be nominated for a federal government Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program grant.

The first stage of the project was completed in early 2020, with further stages put on hold as a result of COVID-19. The improvements will create a safer and more vibrant streetscape, and make it easier for people to access shops, services and public transport.

Grant funding of $1.37 million is available under the federal government program, which was established in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19.

The Council resolved to allocate $500,000 in the 2022-23 capital works budget to complete the works.

Commitment to homelessness actions

Public feedback will be sought on a draft action plan addressing homelessness and housing affordability in Hobart.

The Council has endorsed the draft Affordable Housing and Homelessness Commitment 2021-23, which clarifies the City of Hobart’s role in addressing homelessness and actions to be undertaken during the next two years.

The Commitment has been developed with input from stakeholders, including community members with lived experiences of homelessness.