Media release – City of Hobart, 15 March 2022
News from tonight’s Council meeting
Short-stay rate changes proposed
A report will be prepared to determine appropriate variable rates for residential properties that are listed as whole-house visitor accommodation.
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.
An appropriate differential rate for vacant residential land will also be considered in the report.
In moving the motion, Cr Helen Burnet said the changes were aimed at addressing rental affordability and availability in Hobart.
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.
Statement – UTAS Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black, 15 March 2022
University move good for students, good for Hobart
The University’s move into the city will improve access to higher education for Tasmanians, stimulate small business in the Hobart CBD, invest in the local economy and contribute to solving some of the state’s housing challenges.
Education changes people’s lives. Improving education rates will change our state’s future for the better.
To improve education rates, we have to tackle every barrier to education Tasmanians face, which is why the move into the city is so important.
We appreciate the Hobart City Council debate tonight and reaffirm our ongoing commitment to genuinely engaging and consulting about the future of the Sandy Bay campus.
Media release – UTAS, 16 March 2022
Restored and renewed Forestry building to improve access and create opportunities for Tasmanians
The University of Tasmania’s plans to restore the former Forestry Tasmania building and create an inner-city hub for learning are taking the next step with the development application now publicly advertised.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black said the renewed Forestry building would mean more Tasmanians could access more educational opportunities in state-of-the-art facilities.
“This renewal of an amazing piece of Hobart’s architecture is about bringing the University to the people and helping more Tasmanians unlock the power of education,” Professor Black said.
“The site is perfectly located. It’s close to parking, student accommodation and all the services students need. People who work in the city can study a short course at lunchtime or after work, or balance work and part time study. It’s also close to existing transport, which means that the area of Greater Hobart we can service with the facility is much bigger than the current Sandy Bay campus.
“If we want to improve education rates in Tasmania, it is critical we tackle every barrier to access.”
The Forestry building will host the business, economics, and law faculties as well as administrative offices. The new, state-of-the-art facilities will give students an edge in their education and set them up with life-changing skills and opportunities.
“This is another exciting step as we reimagine the role of the University and its relationship with Hobart and the rest of the State. This renewed facility will complement existing facilities such as the Medical Science Precinct, the Hedberg, the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies and the existing student accommodation in the city.
“In addition to that, it will be a massive boost to the CBD, with additional foot traffic supporting businesses in the area.
“When it’s finished, 300 staff and 3000 students will work and study in the building, which will have a big and positive impact for traders in that part of the city.”
Professor Black said the development application was open for community feedback and would be considered by City of Hobart Council later in the year.
Tasmanian Small Business Council CEO, Robert Mallett, said that the Forestry building renewal was an opportunity to breathe new life into the CBD.
“The Forestry building renewal will generate huge opportunities for small business and I would encourage the business community to embrace the possibilities,” Mr Mallett said.
“What is really exciting is small business has the chance to work with the University on this project and make sure it reflects their needs and their vision for the CBD over the next ten to twenty years.”
