Short Stay Planning Amendment Public Submissions
In August 2021, Council resolved to have a report prepared on possible amendments to existing planning regulations, including restrictions on new permits for entire home short stay accommodation in General Residential, Inner Residential, and Low-Density Residential zones.
118 statutory representations were considered, with 48 submissions being made in support of the proposed amendment and 70 submissions in opposition.
Council endorsed the report and resolved to recommend the changes to the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
The proposed amendment will now be deliberated by the Tasmanian Planning Commission who will make the final decision to accept the amendment as certified, accept a modified amendment, or reject it.
Assessment of Planning Applications with Heritage and Disability Access Issues
In September 2021, Council requested a report be prepared that would provide insight into assessing planning applications where buildings protected on heritage grounds could not be approved due to an inability to meet accessibility standards under Anti-Discrimination legislation.
The report determined that amendments be proposed to the State Planning Provisions. A review of these provisions is currently underway by the State Planning Office and Council resolved to propose the introduction of additional flexibility to the requirements that would allow for equal access to heritage buildings.
McRobies Road Pedestrian Crossing
In response to a public petition, Council will request that the Transport Commission approve a request to change the speed limit on a number of South Hobart roads from 50km/h to 40km/h and for signage to be upgraded to the McRobies Road approach to the Hobart Rivulet crossing.
Speakers Corner
Following the 6-month Speakers Corner trial, Council resolved to continue the program following findings and observations during the trial period and the ‘Out in the Open’ program in the first half of 2022.
Financial Delegation of Grants
Council resolved that in light of the upcoming Local Government elections and in the interests of good governance, that authority be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to approve the recommendations of two assessment panels in the September 2022 round for annual grants of a value of $20,000 or greater.
Caretaker Provisions
Following the request for a report into the adoption of caretaker provisions, Council Resolved to adopt a draft Caretaker Policy.
The policy will commence from the Notice of Election until seven days after polls close and provides for ongoing City of Hobart operations during this time. Planning authority will be delegated to the Director City Life to facilitate planning permit applications during the Caretaker Period. The CEO and Manager Legal and Governance will be appointed as standing proxies for the Council’s TasWater Owner’s representative.
During the Caretaker Period, Council will not make new by-laws or approve or renew any policies, and elected members will not submit notices of motion to Council or Council Committees, nor ask questions without notice.
Council meetings will continue to be held during the Caretaker Period. Full details of the Caretaker Policy will be available on the City of Hobart website in due course.
