Media release – University of Tasmania, 2 May 2022
Plans for new inner-city hub for learning approved
The University of Tasmania has welcomed the City of Hobart’s approval of plans to restore the former Forestry building and create an inner-city hub for learning.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black said the project would help more Tasmanians access more educational opportunities in state-of-the-art facilities.
“The former Forestry building is a beautiful and important piece of Hobart architecture, and we are proud to be restoring it and giving it a new life helping Tasmanians unlock the power of education,” Professor Black said.
“Centrally located, the Forestry building is easy for students to get to, close to jobs, and a short walk from the shops and services of the city. It makes it much easier for someone to fit study in with the rest of their life.”
The Forestry building will host the College of Business of Economics and our Law School as well as administrative offices. When complete, 300 staff and 3000 students will work and study in the building.
The renewed facility will join existing University facilities in the city including the Medical Science Precinct, the Hedberg, the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, student accommodation and more.
“We are grateful for the careful consideration the City of Hobart has given to this important project and for the information and input members of the community have provided throughout the planning process,” Professor Black said.
More information about the design of the new facility is available on the University’s website.
Work is expected to commence before the end of the year.
Media release – City of Hobart, 2 May 2022
News from tonight’s Council meeting
Former Forestry Building approved for educational transition
In accordance with the planning scheme recommendations provided, Council resolved to approve a development application from the University of Tasmania to make changes at the properties of 83 Melville Street, 80 Melville Street, and the adjacent road reserve. The application includes alterations, extension, change of use to educational and occasional care, and associated works in the road reserve.
Rates support for pensioners to remain unchanged for 2022-23
Having undertaken a review of the City’s existing policy supporting pensioners and vulnerable community members with rates payments, the Council resolved to maintain the status quo for the 2022-23 rating year. A planned review into the City’s rating valuation strategy will incorporate any possible changes to the existing support structures.
Existing support is provided to eligible pensioners under state legislation, with additional discounts provided by council that, in comparison to average rates is approximately 15% overall.
“With the rising cost of living, we recognise that some of the more vulnerable members of our city are doing it tough right now,” said Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds. “Maintaining consistency right now will provide a level of assurance for those people until we review our rates strategy later in the year.”
There are approximately 3,000 pensioners in the Hobart municipal area who are currently eligible for the existing rates discount.
Development project update
During the month of March 2022, the City of Hobart provided planning approval for 58 development projects worth approximately $30 million in total.
Among the projects approved were two major projects worth a total of $14 million.
In the 12 months ending March 2022, the City approved 709 planning applications worth a combined $256 million.
Also during March, 44 building permits were issued to the value of more than $20.5 million. This included two major projects in Hobart and South Hobart worth a total of $10.7 million.
In the 12 months to March 2022, a total of 583 building permits were issued for projects worth a combined $255.8 million.
Recognising Linley Grant OAM
A minute’s silence was held in honour of the late Linley Grant OAM, who passed away on 13 April 2022.
Ms Grant was recognised for her significant contributions to organisations in Tasmania and particularly the city of Hobart, including the National Council of Women of Tasmania; the Anti-Poverty Coalition, Tasmanian Rostrum, and the Mount Stuart Progress and Community Service Associations. Her community work saw her honoured with Life Membership of the Tasmanian Pre-School Parents’ Council and the National Council of Women of Tasmania, as well as a Wattle Award and long-service award from Guides Tasmania, Freemanship of Australian Rostrum, and an OAM for community service in 1993.
Ms Grant was inducted into the Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women in 2007.
Accessibility improvements with new pontoon at Derwent Sailing Squadron
A new floating pontoon and jetty at the Derwent Sailing Squadron will enable use of the facilities by people of all abilities.
Derwent Sailing Squadron is the local base of operations for not-for-profit entity Sailability, who provide opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in the sport of sailing.
The upgrades will include a new concrete ramp and abutment, allowing the connection off an aluminium gangway that will enable the safe launch and retrieval of Sailability vessels and users.
