News from Council Meeting - 20 September 2021
Published on 20 September 2021
Council submission on transport projects
The City of Hobart will seek a meeting with the state Transport Minister to discuss its submission to the state government on the Southern Road Projects.
The submission will outline the Council’s preference to fast track bus lanes and prioritise public transport and incorporate street beautification in the design of proposed changes to Macquarie and Davey streets.
The submission will also note the concerns of residents impacted by the construction of the proposed fifth lane on the Southern Outlet and call on the state government to consider alternative solutions prior to any action to demolish homes.
Planning and building statistics
The City of Hobart approved 62 planning applications during the month of August for projects with a combined estimated value of more than $12 million.
Projects included nine new single dwellings and 17 multiple dwellings. One major project, comprising six multiple dwellings at New Town, was approved.
In the 12-month period ending August 2021, 827 planning permits were issued with a combined value of approximately $314 million – an increase of more than $57 million in value.
Also during August, 60 building permits valued at nearly $35 million were issued. Included are three major commercial building projects, located in Liverpool Street, Collins Street, and Degraves Street and worth a combined $20 million.
In the 12 months to August 2021, 671 building permits worth $256 million were issued 0 a significant increase on the previous 12 months (601 permits worth $219 million).
Report to make heritage buildings more accessible
The City of Hobart will investigate planning mechanisms that can be enacted to ensure improvements to accessibility in heritage buildings, in order to meet equal access requirements under the National Building Code, are not refused solely on heritage grounds.
In moving the motion, Cr Jax Ewin said assessment against planning criteria was important, but needed to be balanced against the City’s obligations under the Anti-Discrimiation Act.
“Of course we need to protect what makes our town special, but this should never be at the cost of excluding anyone in our community, especially people with disabilities,” Cr Ewin said.
Discounted parking for patients
Discounted parking will be made available to assist patients attending Hobart’s hospitals and other specified in-patient services.
Under a new scheme a flat parking rate of $5 a day will be available in the Argyle Street Carpark. The new structure replaces a previous $8 Special Circumstances Rate.
Credit card limit scrapped
A payment limit of $3000 for payment by credit card for City of Hobart services, including payment of rates, has been removed.
The City recently changed its banking provider and, as a result, can now accept unlimited credit card payments.