New Hobart Deputy Lord Mayor and news from tonight’s council meeting

Published on 29 April 2024

Deputy Lord Mayor

The Hobart City Council has elected Dr Zelinda Sherlock as the new Deputy Lord Mayor at a vote during tonight's council meeting. The position became vacant following the resignation of former Cr Helen Burnet, who was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly seat of Clark following last month's state election.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said, "I congratulate Cr Dr Sherlock on her election to Deputy Lord Mayor. I am confident Cr Dr Sherlock will work tirelessly for the betterment of the City of Hobart and I look forward to working closely with her."

Deputy Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock said, "I pride myself on my ability to take a considered, compassionate, measured and evidence-based approach. An approach that adopts a methodology of compromise and respect to decision-making. Our City sits on the precipice of major change. In the past six years that I have been on Council, what is noticeable about the significant transitions that are at the heart of our City, is the requirement to understand the perspectives of the many hearts that beat within our City. It is incredibly special that I come from humble beginnings, immigrating to Tasmania with my family from Fiji, and I received my Australian Citizenship in this very building in August 2000. It is a beautiful feeling to feel like I belong, because belonging is such a central part of what it means to be a human being. I am profoundly humbled and sincerely honoured to hold the role of Deputy Lord Mayor."

Picture: City of Hobart Chief Executive Officer Michael Stretton presenting Cr Dr Zelinda Sherlock with her Deputy Lord Mayor chains.

Transport Strategy 2024 and Implementation Plan

The draft Hobart Transport Strategy 2024 and draft Parking and Kerbside Management Plan will be released for public consultation from 1 May to 31 May 2024. These plans address transport challenges and aim to provide greater choice for residents, workers, and visitors. The Implementation Plan outlines actions for the next decade, involving both the City and key stakeholders.

City of Hobart Rating and Valuation Strategy 2024-28

The City of Hobart Rating and Valuation Strategy 2024-28 has been endorsed by Council and follows an extensive 12-month review of rating practices, including community consultation, the key themes of which have been incorporated into the Strategy. It aligns with the Capital City Strategic Plan 2023, focusing on fairness, capacity to pay and effectiveness. The strategy guides rate raising practices for four years, ensuring fairness, equity, and sustainability. It addresses concerns about rate increases, especially for commercial properties, through differential rating and maximum rate increase caps. The strategy aims to be transparent, equitable, and sustainable, supporting current and future community needs while avoiding large rate hikes and managing impacts of property value changes.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said: "Our Rating and Valuation Strategy 2024-28 prioritises fairness and sustainability, reflecting community input and aligning with our Capital City Strategic Plan 2023. Through measures like differential rating and rate increase caps, we aim to ensure transparency and address concerns, fostering a city that's equitable and thriving for all."

Waterworks Reserve Master Plan

The Hobart City Council has endorsed the Waterworks Reserve Master Plan, reflecting community and Healthy Hobart Portfolio Committee support. This strategic document preserves natural and heritage values while outlining sustainable management measures. With an estimated cost of $9.38 million over 20 years, it highlights the need for budget allocations to safeguard assets and enhance visitor experience, reinforcing a commitment to the reserve's long-term vitality. From our community engagement, 59% of respondents valued Waterworks Reserve as a place to enjoy physical activity the most. 53% of respondents valued the Reserve a peaceful and tranquil place to relax and/or appreciate nature the most; and 47% of respondents valued it as a place to spend quality time with friends and family.

Mount Nelson and Sandy Bay Neighbourhood Plan - Directions Report

The City of Hobart will prepare a Directions paper outlining the next steps after the Hobart City Council was presented with the outcomes of the engagement process for the Mount Nelson and Sandy Bay Neighbourhood Plan project. This paper will assess various scenarios to guide sustainable growth until 2044, incorporating community feedback and detailed investigations. Key aspects include capacity testing of activity centres, heritage gap analysis, and exploring development opportunities. The paper will be placed on public exhibition for community feedback early next year.

Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Council Memorandum of Understanding

The Hobart City Council has endorsed a partnership with Safer Australian Roads and Highways Inc (SARAH) through a Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Council MOU. This collaboration aims to advance road safety goals, including awareness campaigns and initiatives aligned with the City's Strategic Plan. Grant funding will support a pedestrian safety campaign, with an annual contribution to SARAH's National Road Safety Week.

Inquiry into the Importance of Antarctica to Australia's National Interests - City of Hobart draft submission

The City of Hobart's submission to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories (JSCNET) serves as a crucial platform for advocating the city's pivotal gateway status and addressing future needs within the Antarctic sector. Highlighted points include strategic infrastructure projects, the establishment of the Antarctic and Science Precinct, redevelopment of Macquarie Wharf, and the necessity for a fuel barge to enhance logistical capabilities at the Hobart Port.

Proposed Lease of City of Hobart Land at Cornelian Bay Point

The City of Hobart will lease land to TasWater at Cornelian Bay Point for one year and then monthly after that for up to two years to facilitate the TasWater Macquarie Point to Selfs Point pipeline project. The lease area, valued at $40,700 per annum, will be used for bulk earthworks, stockpiles, and amenities. After the lease, the land will be returned to its original contour and planting of coastal vegetation. The lease doesn't require public advertising due to its term. TasWater must bring only clean fill to the site, with the City retaining safety fences. TasWater will also be responsible for restoring the land after the lease period.

Trees on Private Property Notice of Motion - Cr Anna Reynolds and Cr Ryan Posselt

A report will be prepared and later presented to elected members on ways to improve tree protection on private property. It will summarise measures on how other councils across Australia are protecting trees, including successful laws, policies, and programs; the benefits of adopting similar tree management laws or policies that protect specific tree sizes or species on both private and public property; and factors causing tree loss on private land that the Council should consider for future decisions. Council will also monitor a similar policy currently being undertaken by neighbouring Kingborough Council. Removal of trees on public land will also require an approved development application.

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