News from Council Meeting - 15 March 2022

Published on 15 March 2022

Report to provide advice on rates

An urgent report will be prepared to provide the Council with advice it can use to determine if it is appropriate to seek approval to apply variable (differential) rates for:

• properties listed as whole-house visitor accommodation that currently have rates based on the Assessed Annual Value as a residential property
• vacant land zoned as Residential

All residential properties are currently rated at the Assessed Annual Value. By introducing a differential rating system, a separate rate can be struck for properties that produce a commercial income through short-stay accommodation.

In moving the motion, Cr Helen Burnet said the changes were aimed at addressing Hobart’s chronic housing shortage, which was a challenge that needed contributions from all levels of government.

“As rates are one of the key responsibilities of local government, it is important to determine whether they can used to help improve housing affordability and availability in the City,” Cr Burnet said.

The report will also provide advice on rates rebates and possible state government incentives for new residential properties approved and built as either the principal place of residence for the applicant, or that are tenanted through long-term rental or affordable housing rentals.

In a separate item, the Council voted to support a motion at this week’s Local Government Association of Tasmania General Meeting that is seeking an amendment of state legislation to enable councils to differentially rate vacation rental properties.

Scrutiny over UTas move

The City of Hobart will prepare a report addressing key issues associated with the University of Tasmania’s planned relocation into the CBD.

Following a motion moved by Ald Jeff Briscoe, the Council resolved to receive a report that considers the impacts of the relocation and subsequent Sandy Bay development proposal on residents, businesses, traffic and parking, and the City’s capital expenditure. It will also review the previous consultation and reports undertaken during the past seven years.

In addition, the City will write to UTas requesting the university launch a new community engagement process immediately. A recently received petition seeking a public meeting about the topic will also be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Report to revisit Battery Point Walkway

A report will be prepared into the cost of redesigning the proposed Battery Point Walkway project.

The Council will consider reviving the project under a renewed design that would address concerns previously raised by residents.

A report will summarise recent decisions and relevant costs relating to the project, and investigate the potential cost of redesigning the proposed walkway.

Cr Mike Dutta, who moved the motion, said the walkway could become an iconic feature of the city and improve active travel connectivity.

Children’s Mayor program to continue

A program introduced last year to give local children insight into the workings of their Council will continue in 2022.

The Hobart Children’s Mayor program was held to coincide with Children’s Week, expanding on an annual reception that had been held for more than a decade.

Children were invited to submit ideas that they thought would make Hobart a better city for children. The authors of the top two responses were awarded the titles of Children’s Mayor and Deputy Children’s Mayor. They then participated in a Town Hall open day event in their honorary roles, and presented their entries to the full Council.

Plaque to acknowledge Country

A plaque will be installed outside the Hobart Town Hall to acknowledge the city’s indigenous community and heritage.

The plaque will feature a poem titled I am Country accompanied by an artwork that depicts the rivulet running underneath Hobart’s city centre.

The work, by Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Caleb Nichols-Mansell, will be complemented by a selection of native plantings. The project is an initiative under the City of Hobart’s Aboriginal Commitment and Action Plan.

Antarctic support broadens

The City of Hobart will collaborate with fellow Antarctic Gateway City Christchurch to expand its support for the Antarctic sector.

The Mayors of Hobart and Christchurch will hold discussions to explore opportunities for collaboration on Antarctic projects, and the City of Hobart will engage with relevant organisations to step up its role in the Antarctic space.

The City will also consider allocating up to $20,000 a year to partially fund a Hobart-based Antarctic Youth Ambassador for two years.

Support for LGAT motions

The City of Hobart will vote in favour of a number of motions that will be put to the member councils of the Local Government Association of Tasmania later this week.

Among the motions being supported is a call for the ability to charge a levy on derelict and abandoned buildings, and the development and implementation of a family and sexual assault prevention framework for local government across the state.