News from tonight’s Hobart City Council meeting

Published on 26 August 2025

Taste of Summer – 2025-26 Sponsorship Proposal

The City of Hobart will again sponsor the 2025–26 Taste of Summer festival with $65,000 in cash and up to $400,000 in in-kind support, including exclusive naming rights for the City of Hobart Community Day on 31 December 2025. To date, the event has delivered strong economic and cultural value by attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and artists, and enhancing Hobart’s reputation as a creative and vibrant summer destination. The 2024–25 festival generated an estimated $16.4 million in economic activity, supported 290 Tasmanian artists, and drew over 88,000 patrons, demonstrating a high return on investment.  A report will be submitted to council early next year which will explore the possibility of the City entering into a three-year sponsorship agreement with the Taste of Summer to bring greater certainty to both organisations.

Parklets and Streetside Dining – Program Guidelines

A new program will allow businesses and community groups to enhance and create outdoor spaces by repurposing kerbside areas. There are two options: a short-term 12-month setup using Council’s kit of parts, and a longer-term five-year option for which the applicant will need meet the cost of installation. Guidelines have been developed to support applicants, with clear definitions for Parklets (public spaces) and Streetside Dining (exclusive use during trading hours). Three existing pilot sites—Simple Cider, Straight Up Coffee + Food, and Pilgrim Coffee—will be installed under the long-term program. Future installations will depend on interest and budget, with community-led, non-commercial parklets also being considered potentially in future financial years. Regular maintenance and public accessibility remain key priorities for the City in delivering this program.

Proposed TasWater Sublease – Rugby Park New Town

The Tasmanian Rugby Union will sublease part of Rugby Park in New Town to TasWater for one year, with the lease converting to a monthly arrangement to maintain flexibility for future use of the site, including the proposed Selfs Point basketball facility. The sublease will support the Selfs Point Sewer Transformation Project by providing space for construction-related activities, with TasWater paying $34,896 for the initial year. All rental income must be used to maintain or upgrade Rugby Park or for other community-benefit purposes consistent with the head lease, with oversight and reporting requirements in place. The agreement will be finalised by the Chief Executive Officer.

Business Events Tasmania – 2025-26 Sponsorship Proposal

Council will partner with Business Events Tasmania for one year in 2025–26, providing $80,000 to bring conferences and events to Hobart. Research shows delegates spend $821–$1,347 per day, often bring companions, visit regional areas, and 89% plan to return to Tasmania within three years. The partnership will be documented by a funding agreement and reported in the City’s 2025–26 Annual Report.

EV Charging Infrastructure Policy

The City of Hobart will adopt a new Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Policy to guide the development of a reliable and accessible EV charging network. The policy supports third-party investment on City land, encourages a mix of public and private charging options, and promotes infrastructure suited to different charging needs.

Wellington Park Management Trust – Appointment of Representatives

Cr Ben Lohberger has been nominated as a Member of the Wellington Park Management Trust, with Ald Louise Bloomfield as Deputy Member and Cr Mike Dutta as Deputy to the Chief Executive Officer, who will also serve as a member. These appointments will support continuity in the City’s involvement with strategic work on the Mountain and will be submitted to the Minister by the end of October 2025. While the term is expected to be three years, a new appointment process may be required following the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Encouraging Residential Development in Central Hobart – Cr Anna Reynolds

An urgent report will be prepared outlining a proposed incentives package to encourage residential development in Central Hobart, with a focus on the Innovation Precinct identified in the Central Hobart Plan. The report will explore options such as rates and fee relief, and other potential incentives, developed in consultation with agencies including TasWater, TasNetworks, the Department of State Growth, and the Federal Government. It will also detail steps the City can take to create a comprehensive package to support housing delivery and outline the process for progressing a planning scheme amendment to implement the Central Hobart Plan and unlock key development sites such as the K&D site. This work responds to the 669 approved but unbuilt dwellings in Hobart over the past 10 years and aims to address barriers to construction identified through recent research and the Hobart Housing Forum.

Collection Partner of Domestic Violence Safe Phones – Cr Zelinda Sherlock

The City of Hobart will register as a collection partner with DV Safe Phone, a national charity that refurbishes donated mobile phones for people escaping domestic and family violence. The program will be integrated into the City’s existing mobile phone recycling service via the Recycle Wall, with secure collection boxes placed at selected City locations. The Chief Executive Officer will finalise the number and placement of these boxes, helping ensure the safe collection and return of donated phones for refurbishment and redistribution to those in need.

Artificial Intelligence in Planning – Cr Louise Elliot

City of Hobart officers will begin early investigations into the use of artificial intelligence in planning, with a report to be prepared for Council outlining the current situation in Tasmania, potential opportunities for the City of Hobart, and a recommendation based on these findings. The aim is to explore how AI could improve efficiency, consistency, and transparency in planning processes, support housing and commercial development, and help address key challenges identified by the development sector.

Future of Dorney House – Cr Louise Elliot

A report will be prepared outlining the current and future use of Dorney House.  The site faces many barriers to future use such as heritage requirements, zoning, fire risk, liability, and access. The report will also detail the ongoing costs to Council, including insurance, maintenance, and loan repayments, and explore alternative future options for the site, including sale or long-term lease, with a recommendation based on these findings. The report will also explore the current and future use of other Hobart City Council owned property such as the Beaumaris Zoo and a property in Lower Sandy Bay.