News from the Council meeting - 29 January 2024

News from the Council meeting - 29 January 2024

Published on 29 January 2024

Pedestrian only 'scramble crossings' trial to continue pending further review

Hobart will continue its pedestrian only 'scramble crossings' at four inner-city locations while a peer review of the trial report is carried out.

The peer review recommendation was brought forward in a foreshadowed motion by Alderman Louise Bloomfield to ensure the substantiation of the recommendation is appropriate, and the report will be submitted to the Risk and Audit Panel for consideration.

The matter will come before Council again at a later date.

Clearway towing - vehicle removal and release - proposed fee

The Hobart City Council has approved changes to clearway towing fees and charges for removing and releasing vehicles from clearway zones. Clearways help manage traffic and ease congestion during peak hours and create space for other uses.

The towing fees will align with the Department of State Growth's charges for the same offense. The approved towing fee is $382.62 per towed vehicle, with an additional $60 per day for storage beyond two days.

An amendment was moved by Alderman Marti Zucco that the Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to write to the State Government to seek advice of any statutory powers the Council may have to allow the City of Hobart to clamp vehicles.

2023-24 Capital Projects Mid-Year Report

The Hobart City Council has deferred discussion on the 2023-24 Capital Projects Mid-Year Report. An Elected Member workshop will occur to allow for further discussion.

City of Hobart submissions

The Hobart City Council has endorsed several submissions from the City of Hobart including Developing a Threatened Species Strategy for Tasmania, Managing Conflicts of Interests of Councillors, Keeping Hobart Moving Draft Plan and Emissions Reduction and Resilience Plan for Transport and Waste.

Trial of live amplified music in Salamanca Place approved

The City of Hobart will undertake a 12-month trial allowing live amplified music in designated outdoor dining areas in Salamanca Place on Sundays from midday to 8pm.

Participants must adhere to specified noise levels and cooperate with each other and the City of Hobart. The City of Hobart will be responsible for the ongoing evaluation and management throughout the 12-month trial period.

The Council will actively consult with nearby traders, the Sullivans Cove Traders Association, the Tasmanian Hospitality Association and the Battery Point Community Association and other relevant stakeholders to develop a management plan for a 12-month trial which would allow for live amplified music in designated outdoor dining areas in Salamanca Place on Sundays from midday to 8pm, and report back to Council by February 19 2024.

An evaluation and report on the trial outcomes will go to Council within 12 months of implementation.

Bus layovers in the City of Hobart Notice of Motion – Ald Louise Bloomfield

Hobart City Council has endorsed a Notice of Motion that existing and proposed bus layovers within the CBD be examined as a priority within the City of Hobart's current Transport Strategy Refresh.

The City of Hobart currently has 23 bus layover spaces, with another six proposed in the Transport Strategy Refresh. Existing layovers, bus stops, and loading zones are sometimes misused. The City of Hobart will prioritise reviewing and potentially relocating these layovers from the CBD to suitable undeveloped spaces in the ongoing Transport Strategy Refresh.

An amendment was also moved that the Transport Strategy Refresh also investigate a requirement that buses cease idling and emitting diesel fumes while sitting in City of Hobart provided layovers.

Freedom of Entry March

The Hobart City Council has granted Freedom of Entry to HMAS Hobart of the Royal Australian Navy. A public ceremony, organised by the City of Hobart and scheduled for March 9, 2024, is approved with a budget of up to $10,000 from the Creative City Community Events – Activation Programs in the 2023/24 financial year. City officers are actively coordinating with stakeholders for the ceremonial events.