News from tonight’s Hobart City Council September meeting
Published on 29 September 2025
Soldiers Memorial Avenue Plaques
The City of Hobart will provide $9000 in funding and $2000 in-kind support to the Friends of Soldiers Memorial Avenue to assist in the replacement of plaques that were stolen and damaged in June 2025. This contribution recognises the long-standing partnership with FOSMA and supports the ongoing preservation of Hobart’s largest war memorial site.
Draft Open Space Strategy
The draft City of Hobart Open Space Strategy 2025–35 has been released for community engagement. Shaped by community feedback and aligned with the Capital City Strategic Plan, the Strategy – the City’s first-ever for open spaces – sets out a vision for accessible, inclusive, and nature-positive open spaces that support health, wellbeing, and climate resilience. It includes five guiding principles, goals, and 44 actions to help shape the future of Hobart’s parks and bushland. We invest nearly $11 million annually in managing these spaces, which span 97 hectares of parks and recreation areas and 4600 hectares of bushland. The strategy outlines new initiatives, including creating Hobart’s first dementia-friendly garden, launching a community Parkcare program, and improving facilities for older children and teens, such as skate parks and pump tracks.
Hobart Design Guidelines
The Hobart Design Guidelines have been introduced as the City’s first comprehensive urban design handbook to guide both public and private development. Developed over two and a half years with input from experts, stakeholders and the community, the Guidelines promote best-practice, place-based design that reflects Hobart’s unique character and future aspirations. They address key urban challenges such as climate resilience, inclusivity, health, and greening the city, and will help shape a more liveable, sustainable Hobart.
Fee Waivers – Community-Based Homelessness & Social Support Groups 2025-26
The City of Hobart will waive $21,168 in venue hire fees for six community-led groups providing food and social support to people experiencing homelessness or hardship. This ongoing support helps ensure these vital services can continue operating from Mathers House throughout 2025–26. At Mathers Place, volunteer groups serve over 5800 meals each year to people facing homelessness or hardship — including sit-down and takeaway options. Beyond food, they offer friendly faces, support, and referrals to essential services. Pets in the Park also provides free vet care to around 20 animals each month, helping those in crisis care for their companions.
LGAT Motion – LGBTIQA+ Inclusion
The City of Hobart will table a motion at the November 2025 LGAT General Meeting encouraging all Tasmanian councils to strengthen LGBTIQA+ inclusion. The motion calls for councils to consult with their local communities, consider establishing LGBTIQA+ reference groups, and develop action plans. It also seeks support from LGAT and the State Government to provide resources and guidance to help councils foster equality and inclusion across Tasmania.
Tabling of a Petition – Upgrade of North Hobart Elizabeth College Skatepark
A petition with 1100 signatures calling for an upgrade to the North Hobart Elizabeth College Skatepark has been tabled. City officers will meet with petitioners on site to hear their concerns and assess the area, with a follow-up report to be provided to Council outlining recommended actions.
Volunteer Awards Policy
Council has endorsed the Volunteer Awards Policy, which outlines the criteria and process for recognising years of volunteer service through milestone awards, now including Legacy Awards for 20 and 25 years. The Volunteer of the Year awards will be discontinued, reflecting feedback that volunteering should not be competitive. The Chief Executive Officer is authorised to finalise and publish the policy.
Audit of Street-Side and Outside Dining Safety Notice of Motion – Ald Louise Bloomfield
The City of Hobart will prepare a report auditing all City-established street-side or outside dining areas, with a focus on those near moving traffic. The audit will assess safety risks, benchmark against workplace health and safety standards, and identify where protective infrastructure or design changes may be needed. Findings and recommendations will be reported back to Council.