News from tonight’s Hobart City Council October meeting
Published on 27 October 2025
South Hobart Oval Change Rooms and Pavilion Development – Funding Request
A major upgrade to South Hobart Oval is set to deliver modern, inclusive facilities that support growing community and sporting participation. Led by South Hobart Football Club, the new pavilion will feature gender-inclusive change rooms, a flexible community space, kiosk, and accessible public amenities.
To support the project, the City of Hobart will contribute $508,560 (ex GST) from its Capital Works Program, allocated over two financial years: $250,000 in 2025/26 and $258,560 in 2026/27. This funding complements $1.4 million already secured by the club from the Australian and Tasmanian Governments.
The development will replace outdated infrastructure with contemporary, accessible facilities that meet the needs of players, referees, and the wider community. Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2025.
Reforms to Councillor Numbers and Allowances
The City of Hobart has provided feedback on proposed reforms to councillor numbers and allowances, aimed at improving efficiency, equity, and representation across Tasmania’s councils.
The reforms propose reducing the number of councillors statewide, increasing allowances to better reflect the complexity of the role, and introducing a fairer, data-driven method for setting both numbers and pay. The City supports the intent of these changes, noting Tasmania’s high councillor-to-population ratio and inconsistencies between similar councils.
While the proposed allowance increase is welcomed, the City believes a more substantial adjustment is needed to attract and retain skilled candidates. It also supports embedding a regular review framework in legislation and recommends further consultation on superannuation arrangements.
The City has also shared its innovative approach to quorum management and encourages broader adoption of flexible participation strategies to support effective decision-making.
Local Government Amendment (Targeted Reform) Bill 2025 – Exposure Draft Consultation
The Hobart City Council will provide the following comments on the draft Local Government Amendment (Targeted Reform) Bill 2025 – Exposure Draft:
The City of Hobart welcomes the proposed reforms to strengthen local councils. These changes will improve transparency, leadership and accountability, with clearer roles, stronger misconduct rules, and mandatory training for councillors. Councils will also benefit from better data reporting, clearer rates notices, and support tools like temporary advisors. These reforms reflect Hobart’s commitment to good governance and community-focused decision-making. By backing these changes, we’re helping build a more open, effective and responsive local government for everyone.
Memorials Policy
The City of Hobart has introduced a new Memorials Policy to provide a clear, consistent framework for commemorative requests across public spaces. Developed through internal consultation and aligned with the City’s Community Vision and Strategic Plan, the policy ensures transparent decision-making for proposals to install or remove memorials.
With limited public space and growing interest from the community, the policy offers a single reference point for applicants, Council officers, and the public. It includes updated eligibility criteria and terms of reference to support fair and respectful recognition of people, events, and contributions.
Annual Complaints and Compliments 2024-25
The City of Hobart received 305 complaints and 154 compliments during the 2024–25 financial year, reflecting valuable community feedback across a wide range of services.
This year’s report introduces a new approach to categorising feedback by business groups, offering greater transparency and insight into the nature of complaints and compliments received.
Looking ahead, the City is planning updates to its Complaints Management Policy and Customer Service Charter, alongside the delivery of a new Customer Interface Project in 2026–27 to further enhance how feedback is received and responded to.
Proposed Motions – Local Government Association of Tasmania General Meeting
Ahead of the Local Government Association of Tasmania’s General Meeting on 21 November, the City of Hobart has confirmed its position on nine proposed motions raised by councils across the state.
The City will support motions that promote circular economy initiatives, workforce renewal, dark sky planning, improved flood risk management, and enhanced transparency through a Public Disclosure Act. It also backs reforms to the Boundary Fences Act and mandatory online learning for election candidates.
However, the City does not support motions relating to the reinvestment of the statewide waste levy or proposed changes to Regulation 47 of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2025.
These positions will guide the City’s delegates in voting on each motion, ensuring alignment with Hobart’s strategic priorities and commitment to effective, equitable local governance.
Right to Information – External Reviews and Report Request Notice of Motion: Cr Louise Elliot
The City of Hobart is taking steps to improve how it handles Right to Information requests, following feedback from the Ombudsman. While Council notes the response to Cr Elliot’s notice of motion and the associated continuous improvement undertaken by officers, it acknowledges that since 2022, it has been subject to 12 Right to Information Act external reviews—11 of which were at least partly adverse. Council remains committed to improving its interpretation and application of the Act, in line with its objectives to enhance transparency, accountability, and public participation.
Plumbing and PlanBuild Notion of Motion: Cr Louise Elliot
To improve the experience for users of Hobart’s plumbing services, the Council notes current service standards, including permit processing times and complaints, and proposed improvement targets with timelines. Over the past seven months, there has been a review of internal processes, engagement with industry representatives and an additional plumbing inspector recruited to ensure that the City is meeting its assessment requirements. As part of the motion, the CEO will also commence discussions with the Department of Justice to seek a reduction in fees associated with PlanBuild and issues around useability. These actions respond to concerns raised by local plumbers and aim to remove barriers to housing development, while ensuring Council delivers efficient, reliable and user-friendly plumbing services.
Macquarie Point Stadium Project Notice of Motion: Cr Mike Dutta
Following expert advice from the Tasmanian Planning Commission, the City of Hobart is calling for a more community-focused and financially responsible approach to stadium development. Council urges the State Government and MPs to vote against the Macquarie Point Stadium and explore alternative locations and terms with the AFL. Council will also investigate land options for the Aboriginal Culturally Informed Zone and seek a Memorandum of Understanding with the State to protect the City’s interests. This includes traffic, infrastructure, and community impacts. The City reaffirms its commitment to responsible planning and ensuring major projects deliver real public benefit.