News from tonight’s Hobart City Council meeting 24/11/2025
Published on 25 November 2025
Cornelian Bay Water Quality
Initial sampling at Cornelian Bay shows excellent water quality at most sites, however the City will continue to monitor it as part of the summer recreational water sampling program from December to March. Maintenance of gross pollutant traps and bioretention systems is underway to reduce pollutants that were detected in initial samples. Additional monitoring will include shore-based and boat sampling to provide a complete picture of water quality. Following the Cornelian Bay water quality report a study will assess the condition of the sand and check for any contaminants beneath the surface to ensure the area is safe for swimming. These actions will give Council a greater level of understanding and provide data to potentially support the potential reclassification of a site at Cornelian Bay as a primary contact recreation site under the Public Health Act 1997. Results will be reviewed at the end of summer and will guide future investigations into swimming suitability as part of the development of our new Cornelian Bay Masterplan.
Cultural Park and North Hobart Skate Park – Crown Lease Renewal
The City of Hobart has secured a long-term future for Cultural Park and the North Hobart Skate Park through a new Crown lease, giving certainty for ongoing management and enabling major upgrades. The agreement provides a 10-year term with an option for a further 10 years. This renewal supports the City’s vision to transform the skate park into a modern, contemporary facility. The lease terms protect the City’s interests, and authority is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to approve similar renewals where land use remains unchanged.
City of Hobart Unsolicited Proposals Policy
The Council has adopted the City of Hobart Unsolicited Proposals Policy to provide a clear, transparent process for managing proposals not initiated through standard procurement or planning. The Policy encourages innovation and investment while ensuring probity, governance, and compliance with the Local Government Act 1993 (Tas). It establishes a three-stage submission process with defined evaluation criteria, scoring, and roles, ensuring proposals are assessed on merit, value for money, uniqueness, feasibility, risk, and community benefit. Only proposals aligned with the City’s strategic objectives and delivering public value will be considered.
2025-25 Financial Statements
The City of Hobart has achieved a strong financial outcome for 2024-25, recording a surplus of $20.4 million, well above the budgeted $9 million. The underlying surplus was $14.4 million compared to a forecast deficit of $1.2 million. The City’s cash position strengthened to $18.9 million with $72 million in term deposits. Asset revaluations added $11.1 million. Operational surpluses are beneficial in providing financial sustainability. Surpluses provide resources for future infrastructure investments or ensuring the City can respond in the event of an emergency.
Council Restructure and Amalgamation Motion – Cr Gemma Kitsos
If the Glenorchy City Council agrees, both the Hobart and Glenorchy City Councils will hold an elector poll at the next Local Government Elections around a potential amalgamation. Should Glenorchy agree to an elector poll, prior to it being held, Hobart will commission an evidence-based report examining the implications, opportunities, and risks of voluntary amalgamation, including feasibility, benefits, challenges, and community impacts. The report will also address legislative, financial, operational, and governance considerations. A funding agreement will be sought with the State Government to assist with the additional costs. A report will be presented at a future Council workshop before any further decisions are made.