News from Council Meeting 10 March 2020

Published on 10 March 2020

Single-use plastics by-law supported

The City of Hobart will proceed with a by-law banning the provision of single-use plastic takeaway food packaging and related items.

At this evening’s Council Meeting, it was resolved to enact the by-law. Enforcement of the by-law will commence in 2021, following a period of trader and community education and awareness.

It is anticipated that the introduction of the by-law will result in a 600 tonne annual reduction in single-use plastics to landfill.

The Council also resolved to lobby the Tasmanian Government to consider implementing a state wide initiative to reduce single-use plastics.

Smoke-free boundary endorsed

The Council has reiterated its commitment to creating a smoke-free CBD by endorsing a map outlining the areas that will become smoke-free next month.

Three city blocks – bounded by Collins, Campbell, Liverpool and Murray streets – will be smoke-free from 15 April.

The declaration of the smoke-free CBD area is in addition to several existing smoke-free areas including Elizabeth Mall and Franklin Square.

Revisiting Women’s History Walk

A process to refresh and re-launch a project that acknowledges the role women have played in the creation of modern Hobart will be considered by Council.

The Hobart Women’s History Walk was created in 1997 and includes 33 locations and the stories and achievements of women who contributed to the city’s development.

The motion – jointly put by Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds and Deputy Mayor Helen Burnet –  suggested that actions could include a reprinting of the brochure relating to the walk and providing the key locations via a mobile or web app.

Consideration will also be given to other ways to highlight the stories of Hobart women through public art initiatives.

Multicultural festival may return to North Hobart

The City of Hobart will work with the North Hobart community regarding a proposal re-establish the North Hobart Multicultural Street Festival.

Alderman Marti Zucco successfully moved a motion for City officers to provide guidance, assistance and support to the North Hobart Traders Association, community groups and the North Hobart Residents and Community Association to assist in the resurgence of a street festival similar to that which was held in North Hobart more than 20 years ago.

Trial aims to reduce congestion

A three-month trial traffic arrangement to combat late-night congestion around Salamanca Place will be implemented.

Changes will include:

• closure of Brooke Street at Morrison Street to taxi and rideshare vehicles on Friday and Saturday evenings from 11 pm to 5 am
• creation of a taxi holding area in the CSIRO car park in Castray Esplanade during the same times
• creation of a nominated waiting location for ride share vehicles in Salamanca Place between Davey Street and Gladstone Street
• provision of four pick-up locations for ride share passengers across the waterfront precinct.

It is hoped that the trial will demonstrate improved safety and an enhanced experience for staying in the area, without adversely impacting on other users of the precinct.