News from Council Meeting 28 January 2020

Published on 28 January 2020

New Elected Member sworn in

A new Elected Member was sworn in tonight, with Will Coats officially elected to the Hobart City Council. 

Cr Coats was elected via a vote countback to fill the position vacated by Tanya Denison when she resigned earlier this month.

Alderman racks up service record

Alderman Marti Zucco was tonight congratulated for reaching the record-breaking milestone of serving the Hobart City Council for 10,150 days (or 27 years and 295 days), thereby becoming the longest serving Alderman in the history of the Council.

The Council tonight acknowledged this significant occasion, noting Ald Zucco’s passion and drive, particularly in pursuing projects of specific interest including tourism, sister cities promotion, AFL football and his deep interest in North Hobart.

Ald Zucco has also been a keen supporter over many years of The Taste of Tasmania festival, drawing on his extensive experience as a well-known restauranteur and small business owner to contribute to the evolution of the event as the joint Chairman of Council’s Tourism and Festivals Special Committee.

An Alderman since 1992, Ald Zucco has served on 16 Council committees – four of those as chairman. He currently chairs the Finance and Governance Committee.

Ember attack and city-wide risk addressed

Council agreed unanimously to get advice on the potential impact of ember attack and other strategies to reduce the city-wide risk of bushfire for Hobart.

A motion moved by Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds drew on the experiences of recent bushfires on the Australian mainland. It was noted that embers travelled up to 10kms ahead of the fire front under certain conditions.

The discussion recognised that, while the City had in-depth strategies and programs for fire management of its bushland, there were a number of broader risks and issues that needed to be considered in preparing for more severe bushfires in the future.

The City will consult with the Tasmanian Fire Service and other fire experts regarding information already in place before deciding on the shape of a long-term plan.

The report will also identify actions to build the resilience of the community as bushfire risk is the city’s biggest strategic issue.

Donation to assist bushfire victims

The City of Hobart will make a $25,000 donation to assist bushfire victims on the Australian mainland, following a motion put by Alderman Jeff Briscoe.

The donation will be made via an appropriate charity that is yet to be determined and is in addition to support provided to local fundraising activities through in-kind assistance and the waiving of venue hire fees.

Pizza restaurant approved

The opening of a pizza restaurant at Battery Point has been approved.

The existing commercial tenancy is located at the corner of Hampden Road and Stowell Avenue and was previously used as a café.

The heritage façade of the building will be retained under the new operation.

Springs café to expand

A popular café at The Spring on kunanyi / Mount Wellington has been given permanent status and approval to expand its operations.

Lost Freight Café has operated from a shipping container on a temporary permit for several years. The café will now operate as a permanent tenant on a lease arrangement.

An additional shipping containing will be added to the site to allow the café to expand its services.

Barbecue shelter proposed

Public comment will be sought on a concept design for a new barbecue and shelter at New Town’s Garrington Park.

The City of Hobart has received requests from residents to install a barbecue and shelter at the park, located at the end of Noble Drive.

The proposed shelter would measure 5m x 11m and would include a public-use barbecue and picnic table setting.

New names for bush tracks

Names have been selected for 12 walking tracks that previously lacked formal identification.

A review of tracks around the City’s bushland areas revealed numerous tracks that required naming, including tracks at the Queens Domain, Bicentennial Park, Waterworks Reserve, Knocklofty Reserve and McRobies Gully.

The new names will be submitted to the Nomenclature Board of Tasmania for ratification. Once approved, new signage will be installed identifying the tracks by their names.

The City of Hobart is consulting with Tasmanian Aboriginal community organisations with regards to the naming of a further six tracks.