AGENDA
OPEN PORTION OF THE Council Meeting
Monday, 31 January 2022
AT 5:00 pm
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APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE
3. Communication from the Chairman
4. Notification of Council WorKshops
7. Consideration of Supplementary Items
8. Indications of Pecuniary and Conflicts Of Interest
9. Council Acting as Planning Authority
9.2 62-66 Clare Street, New Town - Partial Demolition, Alterations and Extension
9.3 30 McRobies Road, South Hobart - Outbuilding (Storage Shed)
10. Monthly Building Statistics - 1 December - 31 December 2021
11. Monthly Planning Statistics - 1 December - 31 December 2021
Motions of which notice has been given
13. Refugees / Asylum Seekers - Humanitarian Settlement
Special Report – DEPUTY Lord Mayor
14. Elected Member Professional Development Plan - Lord Mayor Councillor Anna Reynolds
15. Closed Portion Of The Meeting
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A meeting of the Open Portion of the Council will be held VIA ZOOM on Monday, 31 January 2022 at 5:00 pm.
Kelly Grigsby
Chief Executive Officer
The title Chief Executive Officer is a term of reference for the General Manager as appointed by Council pursuant s.61 of the Local Government Act 1993 (Tas).
This meeting of the Council is held in accordance with a Notice issued by the Premier
on 3 April 2020 under section 18 of the COVID-19 Disease Emergency
(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020.
ELECTED MEMBERS: Lord Mayor A M Reynolds Deputy Lord Mayor H Burnet Alderman M Zucco Alderman J R Briscoe Alderman Dr P T Sexton Alderman D C Thomas Councillor W F Harvey Alderman S Behrakis Councillor M S C Dutta Councillor J Fox Councillor Dr Z E Sherlock Councillor W N S Coats |
APOLOGIES:
LEAVE OF ABSENCE: Nil.
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The Chairman reports that she has perused the minutes of the meeting of the Open Portion of the Council meeting held on Thursday, 16 December 2021 and the minutes of the meeting of the Open Portion of the Special Council meeting held on Thursday, 20 January 2022, finds them to be a true record and recommends that they be taken as read and signed as a correct record.
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Are there any items, which the meeting believes, should be transferred from this agenda to the closed agenda or from the closed agenda to the open agenda, in accordance with the procedures allowed under Section 15 of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015?
In accordance with the requirements of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015, the General Manager reports that no Council workshops have been conducted since the last ordinary meeting of the Council.
Regulation 31 Local Government (Meeting
Procedures) Regulations 2015.
File Ref: 16/119-001
5.1 Public Questions
Ref: Part 2, Regulation 8(6) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015.
That the Council resolve to deal with any supplementary items not appearing on the agenda, as reported by the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015.
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Ref: Part 2, Regulation 8(7) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015.
Elected Members are requested to indicate where they may have any pecuniary or conflict of interest in respect to any matter appearing on the agenda, or any supplementary item to the agenda, which the Council has resolved to deal with.
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Reports of Committee
In accordance with the provisions of Part 2 Regulation 25 of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015, the intention of the Council to act as a planning authority pursuant to the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 is to be noted.
In accordance with Regulation 25, the Council will act as a planning authority in respect to those matters appearing under this heading on the agenda, inclusive of any supplementary items.
The Council is reminded that in order to comply with Regulation 25(2), the Chief Executive Officer is to ensure that the reasons for a decision by a Council or Council Committee acting as a planning authority are recorded in the minutes.
9.1 1/14 Lord Street, 2/14 Lord Street, 12 Lord Street, Sandy Bay - Partial Demolition, Alterations, Extension and Two Multiple Dwellings (Two Existing and Two Proposed)
PLN-21-532 - File Ref: F22/4028
Ref: Open CPC 7.1.1, 24/01/2022
Application Expiry Date: 3 February 2022
That the item be referred to the Council without recommendation.
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Attachment a: Original Documentation of CPC 24 January 2022 - 1/14 Lord Street, 2/14 Lord Street, 12 Lord Street Sandy Bay - Partial Demolition, Alterations, Extension and Two Multiple Dwellings (Two Existing and Two Proposed)
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9.2 62-66 Clare Street, New Town - Partial Demolition, Alterations and Extension
PLN-21-693 - File Ref: F22/4027
Ref: Open CPC 7.1.3, 24/01/2022
Application Expiry Date: 16 February 2022
That pursuant to the Hobart Interim Planning Scheme 2015, the Council approve the application for partial demolition, alterations and extension at 6266 Clare Street, New Town 7008 for the reasons outlined in the officer’s report attached to item 7.1.3 of the Open City Planning Committee agenda of 24 January 2022 and a permit containing the following conditions be issued:
GEN
The use and/or development must be substantially in accordance with the documents and drawings that comprise PLN21693 6266 CLARE STREET NEW TOWN TAS 7008 Final Planning Documents except where modified below.
Reason for condition
To clarify the scope of the permit.
ENG sw1
All stormwater from the proposed development (including but not limited to: roofed areas, ag drains, retaining wall ag drains and impervious surfaces such as driveways and paved areas) must be drained to the Council’s stormwater infrastructure prior to first occupation or commencement of use (whichever occurs first).
Any private or private shared stormwater system passing through thirdparty land must have sufficient receiving capacity.
Advice:
Under section 23 of the Urban Drainage Act 2013 it is an offence for a property owner to direct stormwater onto a neighbouring property.
Reason for condition
To ensure that stormwater from the site will be discharged to a suitable Council approved outlet.
SW 9
Prior to occupancy or the commencement of the approved use (whichever occurs first), stormwater discharges from the development must be installed.
A stormwater management report and design must be submitted and approved prior to the issue of any approval under the Building Act 2016 or the commencement of work on the site (whichever occurs first). The stormwater management report and design must be prepared by a suitably qualified engineer and must:
1. Include detailed design and supporting calculations of the detention tank showing: 1. detention tank sizing such that there is no increase in flows from the developed site up to 5% AEP event and no worsening of flooding; 2. the layout, the inlet and outlet (including long section), outlet size, overflow mechanism and invert level; 3. the discharge rates and emptying times; and 4. all assumptions must be clearly stated;
2. Include a supporting maintenance plan, which specifies the required maintenance measures to check and ensure the ongoing effective operation of all systems, such as: inspection frequency; cleanout procedures; descriptions and diagrams of how the installed systems operate; details of the life of assets and replacement requirements.
All work required by this condition must be undertaken and maintained in accordance with the approved stormwater management report and design.
ENG 1
Any damage to council infrastructure resulting from the implementation of this permit, must, at the discretion of the Council:
1. Be met by the owner by way of reimbursement (cost of repair and reinstatement to be paid by the owner to the Council); or 2. Be repaired and reinstated by the owner to the satisfaction of the Council.
A photographic record of the Council's infrastructure adjacent to the subject site must be provided to the Council prior to any commencement of works.
A photographic record of the Council’s infrastructure (e.g. existing property service connection points, roads, buildings, stormwater, footpaths, driveway crossovers and nature strips, including if any, preexisting damage) will be relied upon to establish the extent of damage caused to the Council’s infrastructure during construction. In the event that the owner/developer fails to provide to the Council a photographic record of the Council’s infrastructure, then any damage to the Council's infrastructure found on completion of works will be deemed to be the responsibility of the owner.
Reason for condition
To ensure that any of the Council's infrastructure and/or siterelated service connections affected by the proposal will be altered and/or reinstated at the owner’s full cost.
ENV 1
Sediment and erosion control measures sufficient to prevent sediment from leaving the site must be installed prior to any disturbance of the site, and maintained until all areas of disturbance have been stabilized or revegetated.
Advice:
For further guidance in preparing a Soil and Water Management Plan – in accordance with Fact sheet 3 Derwent Estuary Program click here.
Reason for condition
To avoid the sedimentation of roads, drains, natural watercourses, Council land that could be caused by erosion and runoff from the development, and to comply with relevant State legislation.
HER 18
The Radiata Pine trees must be protected throughout excavation and post construction.
A report must be submitted for approval as a Condition Endorsement prior to the commencement of work. The report must:
1. Be prepared by a suitable qualified person; and 2. Show all tree protection zones and relevant measures specified under Section 3 Determining the Protection Zones of the Selected Trees, Section 4 Tree Protection Measures and Section 5 Monitoring and Certification of AS 49702009 Protection of trees on development sites, around the Radiata Pine.
All work required by this condition must be undertaken in accordance with the approved report.
Advice:
This condition requires further information to be submitted as a Condition Endorsement. Refer to the Condition Endorsement advice at the end of this permit.
Reason for condition
To ensure that development at a heritage place is undertaken in a sympathetic manner which does not cause loss of historic cultural heritage significance.
OPS 3
The four Pittosporum trees identified for removal are to be removed prior to the commencement of other works.
Replacement trees will be required, two for everyone to be removed, to the satisfaction of the Director City Amenity.
On completion of planting of all trees, the developer must arrange for an installation inspection by the Council. Once all the trees have been planted to the satisfaction of the Council's Director City Amenity, the Council will issue a statement confirming satisfactory planting of all street trees.
All street trees must then be watered and maintained in a healthy state by the developer for a period of two (2) years from the date of that statement.
Advice:
For further information regarding satisfaction of this condition, and to arrange an Installation Inspection by the Council, please liaise with the Council's Program Leader Arboriculture and Nursery by phoning 6238 2807.
A final plan showing the tree protection measures and the location of replacement plantings is to be submitted before building approval is sought or before works commence, whichever occurs sooner.
Once the plan has been approved, the Council will issue a condition endorsement (see general advice on how to obtain condition endorsement). It is recommended that documentation for condition endorsement be submitted well before submitting documentation for building approval. Failure to address condition endorsement requirements prior to submitting for building approval may result in unexpected delays.
Reason for condition
To ensure that the amenity of public open space is maintained and that works are undertaken in accordance with the City of Hobart Street Tree Strategy 2017 and Australian Standard AS 4970 Protection of trees on development sites.
OPS 5
All trees to be retained in the vicinity of the development site and in particular the closest Pinus radiata pine tree, must be protected from damage during works. Canopies, trunks and root protection zones (as defined as the Tree Protection Zone in the Australian Standard for Protection of trees on development sites AS4970) are to be protected from damage, or compensation will be payable.
Before works commence, tree protection fencing must be installed around the trees to be retained. No vehicular access, excavation, placement of fill, storage of materials or soil disturbance is to occur within the fencing. There must be no pruning, lopping or damage to the tree (including its trunk and roots). Details of tree protection measures must be clearly notated on any plans submitted to the Council under the Building Act 2016.
A final plan showing the tree protection measures and the location of replacement plantings must be submitted before building approval is sought or before works commence, whichever occurs sooner.
Advice:
Once the plan has been approved the Council will issue a condition endorsement (see general advice on how to obtain condition endorsement). It is recommended that documentation for condition endorsement be submitted well before submitting documentation for building approval. Failure to address condition endorsement requirements prior to submitting for building approval may result in unexpected delays.
Reason for condition
To ensure that the amenity of public open space is maintained and that works are undertaken in accordance with the City of Hobart Street Tree Strategy 2017 and Australian Standard AS 4970 Protection of trees on development sites and that to ensure that development at a heritage place is undertaken in a sympathetic manner which does not cause loss of historic cultural heritage significance.
ADVICE
The following advice is provided to you to assist in the implementation of the planning permit that has been issued subject to the conditions above. The advice is not exhaustive and you must inform yourself of any other legislation, bylaws, regulations, codes or standards that will apply to your development under which you may need to obtain an approval. Visit the Council's website for further information.
Prior to any commencement of work on the site or commencement of use the following additional permits/approval may be required from the Hobart City Council.
CONDITION ENDORSEMENT
If any condition requires that further documents are submitted and approved, you will need to submit the relevant documentation to satisfy the condition via the Condition Endorsement Submission on Council's online services eplanning portal. Detailed instructions can be found here.
A fee of 2% of the value of the works for new public assets (stormwater infrastructure, roads and related assets) will apply for the condition endorsement application.
Once approved, the Council will respond to you via email that the condition has been endorsed (satisfied).
Where building approval is also required, it is recommended that documentation for condition endorsement be submitted well before submitting documentation for building approval. Failure to address condition endorsement requirements prior to submitting for building approval may result in unexpected delays.
BUILDING PERMIT
You may need building approval in accordance with the Building Act 2016. Click here for more information.
This is a Discretionary Planning Permit issued in accordance with section 57 of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993.
PLUMBING PERMIT
You may need plumbing approval in accordance with the Building Act 2016, Building Regulations 2016 and the National Construction Code. Click here for more information.
NOISE REGULATIONS
Click here for information with respect to noise nuisances in residential areas.
WASTE DISPOSAL
It is recommended that the developer liaise with the Council’s Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit regarding reducing, reusing and recycling materials associated with demolition on the site to minimise solid waste being directed to landfill.
Further information regarding waste disposal can also be found on the Council’s website.
DIAL BEFORE YOU DIG
Click here for dial before you dig information.
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9.3 30 McRobies Road, South Hobart - Outbuilding (Storage Shed)
PLN-21-492 - File Ref: F22/4022
Ref: Open CPC 7.1.5, 24/01/2022
Application Expiry Date: 14 February 2022
That pursuant to the Hobart Interim Planning Scheme 2015, the Council approve the application for outbuilding (storage shed) at 30 McRobies Road, South Hobart 7004 for the reasons outlined in the officer’s report attached to item 7.1.5 of the Open City Planning Committee agenda of 24 January 2022 and a permit containing the following conditions be issued:
GEN
The use and/or development must be substantially in accordance with the documents and drawings that comprise PLN21492 30 MCROBIES ROAD SOUTH HOBART TAS 7004 Final Planning Documents, except where modified below.
Reason for condition
To clarify the scope of the permit.
ENG sw1
All stormwater from the proposed development (including but not limited to: roofed areas, ag drains, retaining wall ag drains and impervious surfaces such as driveways and paved areas) must be drained to the Council’s stormwater infrastructure prior to first occupation or commencement of use (whichever occurs first).
Any private or private shared stormwater system passing through thirdparty land must have sufficient receiving capacity.
Advice:
Under section 23 of the Urban Drainage Act 2013 it is an offence for a property owner to direct stormwater onto a neighbouring property.
Reason for condition
To ensure that stormwater from the site will be discharged to a suitable Council approved outlet.
ENG 1
Any damage to council infrastructure resulting from the implementation of this permit, must, at the discretion of the Council: 1. Be met by the owner by way of reimbursement (cost of repair and reinstatement to be paid by the owner to the Council); or 2. Be repaired and reinstated by the owner to the satisfaction of the Council.
A photographic record of the Council's infrastructure adjacent to the subject site must be provided to the Council prior to any commencement of works.
A photographic record of the Council’s infrastructure (e.g. existing property service connection points, roads, buildings, stormwater, footpaths, driveway crossovers and nature strips, including if any, preexisting damage) will be relied upon to establish the extent of damage caused to the Council’s infrastructure during construction. In the event that the owner/developer fails to provide to the Council a photographic record of the Council’s infrastructure, then any damage to the Council's infrastructure found on completion of works will be deemed to be the responsibility of the owner.
Reason for condition
To ensure that any of the Council's infrastructure and/or siterelated service connections affected by the proposal will be altered and/or reinstated at the owner’s full cost.
ENV 1
Sediment and erosion control measures sufficient to prevent sediment from leaving the site must be installed prior to any disturbance of the site, and maintained until all areas of disturbance have been stabilised or revegetated.
Advice:
For further guidance in preparing a Soil and Water Management Plan – in accordance with Fact sheet 3 Derwent Estuary Program click here.
Reason for condition
To avoid the sedimentation of roads, drains, natural watercourses, Council land that could be caused by erosion and runoff from the development, and to comply with relevant State legislation.
ADVICE
The following advice is provided to you to assist in the implementation of the planning permit that has been issued subject to the conditions above. The advice is not exhaustive and you must inform yourself of any other legislation, bylaws, regulations, codes or standards that will apply to your development under which you may need to obtain an approval. Visit the Council's website for further information.
Prior to any commencement of work on the site or commencement of use the following additional permits/approval may be required from the Hobart City Council.
BUILDING PERMIT
You may need building approval in accordance with the Building Act 2016. Click here for more information.
This is a Discretionary Planning Permit issued in accordance with section 57 of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993.
PLUMBING PERMIT
You may need plumbing approval in accordance with the Building Act 2016, Building Regulations 2016 and the National Construction Code. Click here for more information.
STORMWATER
Please note that in addition to a building and/or plumbing permit, development must be in accordance with the Hobart City Council’s Infrastructure By law. Click here for more information.
FEES AND CHARGES
Click here for information on the Council's fees and charges.
DIAL BEFORE YOU DIG
Click here for dial before you dig information.
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10. Monthly Building Statistics - 1 December - 31 December 2021
File Ref: F22/3040
Ref: Open CPC 8.1, 24/01/2022
11. Monthly Planning Statistics - 1 December - 31 December 2021
File Ref: F22/3062
Ref: Open CPC 8.2, 24/01/2022
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IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION 16(5) OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (MEETING PROCEDURES) REGULATIONS 2015
File Ref: F22/5642; 13-1-9
Alderman Briscoe, Alderman Zucco
“As a matter of firm and strong leadership from the Council
That the current trial for e – scooters be paused for at least a month to enable an urgent report on the following. (Noting that the resumption of the trial would depend on the full council be satisfied with allowed areas and speeds)
A) 1. The safety or near misses issues that have arisen to be comprehensively assessed 2. The statistics on injuries be collated from ED reports or otherwise 3. Changes to the policies such as possible lower speed limits or increase the no entry zones that could be implemented to increase safety 4. The idea of having formal drop off /pick up points 5. A publicity and/or police blitz to encourage compliance 6. Other feedback from the public via emails, messages, FB comments or the Councils own e scooter portal be collated 7. Evidence that it has reduced (or not) vehicle use and congestion in the city rather than just a transfer of walking to e scooters (ie reducing active transport) 8. Evidence from the two operators on unsatisfactory practices or issues they have experienced and how they will improve 9. The suitability or physical state of the inner city footpaths to have them as a shared space with e scooters 10. Other relevant safety and regulatory information from other Australian cities 11. Consultation with the relevant disability & elderly associations.
B) The revenue to the city from the operators to be made public” |
Rationale:
“A)
It has been stated that 20,000 e scooters journeys a week have been undertaken in Hobart leading to possibly 80,000 journeys during the trial period so far. This is a sufficient data set to do a preliminary evaluation.
Many cases of people inappropriately using e scooters have been reported including doubling up, vandalism, kids under 16 using them, no helmets, inappropriate speeds and other unsafe practices.
The current Covid crisis means that the health system is under strain. It is not the right time to add further drains to Police and Health resources.
The city can reduce injuries during this time that require ED. Other cities such has Brisbane have huge number of ED presentations including serious injury deaths from conflicts with e-scooters.
Disability advocates and more senior citizens have expressed deep concerns on the use of scooters on footpaths. The concept of a footpath as a shared space with recreational vehicles could be considered to be a deeply flawed concept in hilly Hobart.
The city needs evidence based data to see whether or not congestion or vehicle use has been reduced rather than just ‘good intentions’. That walking has been replaced by use of e scooters maybe is what is happening.
Our footpaths are not in a good state to have powered vehicles due to uneven and varying surfaces, narrow width, overhanging branches and business signs.
Having no formal drop-off or pickup points means that the scooters are left anywhere, often inappropriate places causing safety and other issues.
B)
That the revenue from the operators to the city is ‘Commercial in Confidence’ does not fit in with a good governance model when other commercial rates and fees and charges (e.g. parking) are open and transparent.”
Administration Response to Notice of Motion |
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Discussion
1.
The City and the operators are aware that the
introduction of a new mode of transport onto our footpaths has caused concerns.
However, in accordance with Council’s delegation to the CEO; there are daily
changes made to trial conditions and riding zones, and ongoing consultation
with multiple stakeholders including the State Government, Tasmania Police, the
Access Advisory Committee, the Active Transport Committee, and various
resident associations; and therefore it is not considered necessary to pause
the trial as these matters continue to be effectively mitigated in real-time. 2.
As expected, there have been some initial
teething issues associated with rolling out the city-wide trial as the City
learns how best to operate this new mobility option. Introducing new
transport modes into established cities can be challenging, and therefore we
need to be agile in our approach. 3.
Customer feedback, data and community engagement
are being used to fine-tune the trial’s operational methodology to
improve safety and community amenity. Regular changes to allocated parking
stations, no ride zones and adjustments to geofencing areas and speeds are making
the trial as safe as possible for the community. The City and operators
are also holding an Information Forum for older Tasmanians in February 2022. 4.
The City, Department of State Growth, Tasmania
Police and the trial operators are working together to promote safety, riding
rules and community awareness. 5.
The City of Hobart has made many changes to
operating conditions over the first month. The City is now embarking on a
number of more substantial changes at the conclusion of the first month of
the trial. These include: a. Improved and new signage to give better notice to riders, pedestrians and drivers of where scooters can be ridden and where they must not be ridden; b. Signage to improve awareness of rider etiquette and parking behaviour, including designating “get off and walk” zones; c. Decals and signage installed on the street to indicate preferred parking locations in busy areas; d. QR codes leading to a clear summary of the new legislation. e. New interactive maps on the City’s website showing locations where riding is approved and prohibited, as well as speed and parking rules; f. A comprehensive strategic communications and media plan to better educate riders and residents; g. Better policing by operators of children using e-scooters; h. Consideration of gazetting certain roads and bike lanes to open those to e-scooters; i. Creation of a peak body advisory group (tourism, transport, police etc.) to meet regularly to gain better understanding of community feedback.
6.
The Department of State Growth has launched a ‘Ride
with Respect’ campaign and the operators are consulting with Tasmania
Police to support local policing of illegal rider behaviour. This will
coincide with vendors continuing to warn, fine, suspend and ultimately ban
users from the platform to reduce anti-social behaviour and illegal riding. 7.
Public awareness of fines and rider bans is
increasing as the trial progresses. The experience in other cities is that rider
etiquette and behaviour improves quickly as the devices become better
understood and riders begin to see that it is possible to be excluded from
using them. 8.
Only one operator has released ban figures.
This operator has issued 92 targeted communications, 112 warnings and 3 rider
bans.
9.
The operators have recently recruited and
deployed “safety rangers” onto the streets of Hobart to help
promote rider awareness and safety. Beam’s rangers will be operational
24/7 and Neuron’s will operate from 3pm to 11pm on Friday and Saturday
nights. 10. E-scooters are now removed from areas near pubs and nightclubs on
Friday and Saturday nights. 11. The first monthly report has been submitted to the City by Beam and Neuron, outlining data and statistics for the first month of the trial. It is a requirement of the contract that operators report to Council all accidents and incidents involving e-scooters in Hobart. These monthly reports are commercially sensitive and not to be published. They have been made available to elected members. Safety 12. Tasmanian road crash statistics define a serious injury as an
injury requiring more than 5 days stay in hospital. 13. From approximately 112,000 e-scooter trips to date in Hobart there
have been 4 minor injuries and no serious injuries reported. It has not been
reported that any of the 4 minor injuries required a visit to hospital. 14. By way of comparison, motor vehicles caused 35 deaths (3 per
month) and 242 serious injuries (20 per month) in Tasmania in 2021. 15. There are approximately 276 times as many motor vehicle trips as
e-scooter trips per month in Tasmania. 16. If an e-scooter trip carried the same risks as a motor vehicle
trip, one serious injury (requiring 5 days hospitalisation) would be expected
to have been recorded to date in Hobart. The actual recorded number is zero. 17. Research by the vendors suggests e-scooters are not more dangerous than bicycles and e-bikes, which have been used on Tasmanian roads and footpaths for many years. Trip Statistics 18. About 50,000 people have signed up to use the e-scooters, representing a significant percentage of Hobart’s population. The number of rides taking place daily suggests that a large number of people enjoy using the e-scooters and find them a convenient and affordable mode of transport.
Car journeys offset 19. A large number of the motor vehicle trips taken in Hobart are
extremely short. For instance, about 16% of car trips ending in North Hobart
start in North Hobart. A further 20% start in the CBD. 20. It is not yet possible for the City to accurately estimate the
number of car trips replaced by e-scooter trips, as this can only be
determined by means of a user survey. Such a survey is planned during the
e-scooter trial. (Note that raw numbers of car journeys appear to be
significantly down on 2021. However, raw numbers of car trips cannot be
meaningfully compared year-on-year, as many factors, including e-scooters,
may play into the low numbers this year). 21. Without access to data from a user survey, the City relies on the
operators to estimate car trips replaced by e-scooter trips. These estimates
are created based on long-term data in other cities. 22. Based on vendor reports it is estimated that around 50,000 car
trips have been offset by e-scooter trips in the first month of the trial.
This represents about 95,000 car kilometres and over 15 tonnes of CO2
emissions saved. 23. It is estimated by the operators that over $500,000 of incremental
spending has occurred in local hospitality and tourism businesses as a result
of e-scooter trips. 24. Several dozen local jobs have been created due to the trial (38
staff with one operator, the other operator has not yet provided the figure).
25. Hobart’s footpaths are not significantly different from
those in Brisbane, or in many other cities where e-scooter schemes operate.
In Hobart there is also the option to ride on roads as well as on footpaths,
and the City is making changes to the trial to encourage (or in some cases
force) riders onto quiet streets rather than narrow footpaths. This was not
encouraged immediately as it was not thought desirable to encourage novice
e-scooter riders to ride on the road at a time when drivers were unaware of
e-scooters. Data is now revealing places where there is a confluence
of narrow footpaths, pedestrian activity, quiet roads and desirable e-scooter
routes, and those places will be targeted for road use rather than footpath
use. For instance, some footpaths in Battery Point will soon be marked to
direct riders onto the road. 26. Privately owned e-scooters, many of which were previously illegal,
have been growing in popularity for several years. The introduction of legal
e-scooters onto our streets was made possible by changes to the law in 2021 by
the Tasmanian State Government, which recognised that mobility modes are
rapidly changing around the world. The City has supported hire-and-ride
e-scooters as these provide a safer and more regulated option compared with
privately-owned e-scooters. Hire-and-ride e-scooters have inbuilt safety
technology, are covered by insurance, can be geofenced and speed limited,
have registration plates and can be blocked from areas that are deemed unsafe
to ride.
27. The trial was never designed to accommodate formal pick-up and
drop-off points. A major success of the model is that riders (not City
Officers) determine where they should start and finish their trip on
e-scooters; drivers expect to be able to do the same when they drive cars through
Hobart. An extraordinary amount of land is set aside for each car to be left
in a convenient spot, and there is potentially a future case to create
dedicated spaces on roads or footpaths for e-scooter parking. 28. That said, there are already numerous no-parking areas and many
preferred e-scooter parking locations in the City. Riders are penalised
monetarily for leaving a device in a no-parking zone and given future ride
credits for using the preferred spaces. These preferred spaces are currently
not physically marked, as they were designed to be moved in response to the
initial data from the trial. However, there are plans now to mark out certain
areas for e-scooters to park in key locations, particularly in the CBD and
Battery Point. 29. It is certainly true that there was significant haphazard
placement of e-scooters in the opening period of the trial. The situation has
improved due to geofencing, education and operator intervention. The
situation will continue to improve. 30. Regarding the economic return to the City, there is nothing unusual in commercial contracts being confidential. Officers are not permitted to publicly disclose details of commercial relationships made with the City’s suppliers. While it is true that fees and charges for parking are public information, the nature and amount of payments made to the multiple companies who provide parking services to the City (meters, boom gates, car-park cleaning, equipment and so on) are confidential. Payments made to the City by the operators of the e-scooter trial will be a percentage of revenues earned. This percentage may be different in other cities, hence the requirement for confidentiality. |
Strategic, Legislative and Policy Implications |
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Capital City Strategic Plan |
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Pillar: |
5 – Movement and connectivity
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Outcome: |
5.1 An accessible and connected city environment helps maintain Hobart’s pace of life. 5.2 Hobart has effective and environmentally sustainable transport systems. 5.3 Technology serves Hobart communities |
Strategy: |
5.1.1. Improve connectivity throughout Hobart’s inner city and suburbs. 5.1.6 Work with stakeholders to prioritise low emission, energy efficient, renewable transport and technology initiatives, including trialling emerging solutions. 5.2.2 Embrace opportunities to use innovative technologies to support and manage transport networks and improve travel experiences. 5.3.1 Respond to the current trends and future opportunities of the smart cities concept and associated technologies.
The Connected Hobart Action Plan (2019) contains an action: CTR10 LAST MILE MICROMOBILITY AND DATA TRIALS This was designed as “contribution to the start of solutions to address mobility congestion problems providing shared transport options for the increasing number of city centre residents who don’t own cars”. It documented in 2019 the City’s intention to “trial of a range of smart micro and shared mobility providers, including a small fleet of docked and parked bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, and cars within the city’s off and on-street parking facilities.”
The Sustainable Hobart Action Plan (2020) contains an action: MOBI-08 NEW MICROMOBILITY OPTIONS This action says: “E-scooters, e-skateboards and e-bikes are becoming more and more common as commuting options, although they are not all legal on Tasmanian roads and footpaths. Electric tuk-tuks are another innovation replacing the noisy and polluting versions that have plied the streets of India and Asia for decades. These vehicles are efficient, quiet, non-polluting, quick, low cost and a fun way to move individuals and small groups of people around the city. The City will continue to work with the state government, commercial operators and other stakeholders to trial (and help make legal!) new micromobility transport types, particularly to suit the short trips likely to be more common as the University of Tasmania moves its base from Sandy Bay to the city centre, bringing over 10,000 new young people into the CBD every day. |
Legislation and Policy |
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Legislation: |
Traffic Act 1925 (Amendments November 2021) |
Policy: |
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Financial Implications
1. The City will earn a revenue from the e-scooter trial, anticipated to be in the order of $100,000 per year. This revenue will be offset by other expenditure such as staffing, signage and other related mobility infrastructure and is expected to have no negative financial impact on the City. |
13. Refugees / Asylum Seekers - Humanitarian Settlement
File Ref: F22/6294; 13-1-9
Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Burnet
“That the Council: 1. Advocate for the refugees and asylum seekers brought to onshore detention through medical evacuation (Medevac), approximately 30 of whom are currently held in the Park Hotel in inner Melbourne for what appears as an indefinite period. 2. Authorise the Lord Mayor to write to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs requesting urgent humanitarian settlement of these men who seek sanctuary and a safe home in Australia. 3. Given the City’s status as a Refugee Welcome Zone, work with other stakeholders to settle those refugees and asylum seekers in Hobart, as soon as possible after leaving detention.”
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Rationale:
“Refugees brought to Australia from PNG and Nauru for medical treatment under the Medevac legislation, which was repealed by the current government in November 2019, were placed in Alternative Places of Detention (APODs), usually motels or hotels. It is over 2 years, and many are still detained there.
Some have served detention for 14 years, having been detained previously in offshore detention in Nauru and Manus island. One of these is a man named Mehdi, who fled Iran when 15 years of age, and who has been in detention or processing facilities for over 9 years. He is a similar age to my sons, who have freedoms Mehdi clearly does not.
The recent detention of men’s tennis world number 1, Novak Djokovic at the Park Hotel, the same facility as these refugees and asylum seekers, has brought world attention to their plight. It has also shown a disparity between the ease with which one person can have their case heard, in this case world #1 male tennis player Novak Djokovic, versus others such as Mohammad Joy Miah and Mehdi who languish in detention without a decision.
The issue has been raised with me by members of the Tassie Nannas who want to see justice and resettlement for these men in detention. Arguably, there is greater value for these men being settled in a welcoming community such as Hobart. There is also economic value for not holding in them in detention – a very expensive exercise, and the potential of having them contribute to the Tasmanian economy in a time of labour shortage.
It also fits with the City’s commitment to diversity, and Hobart as a Refugee Welcome Zone.
The Council has over the course of 2022 a number of citizenship ceremonies where we shall welcome new Hobartians who have pledged commitment to Australia. Each ceremony is a celebration of those new citizens, but for me it is tinged with sadness for those who are seeking asylum – safety – in Australia but who sit waiting with no resolution, or not even processed.
Perhaps the world’s eyes on Serbian Novak Djokovic is a reminder of just how swiftly our Migration system can work, but how slowly it moves for others less fortunate, such as those detainees who received treatment through the Medevac legislation over 2 years ago, with their lives on hold.
References:
Hobart Welcomes All - City of Hobart, Tasmania Australia (hobartcity.com.au)
Statement from advocate and faith leaders on the Park hotel Djokovic detention Refugee advocates react to Djokovic media circus - The Melbourne Anglican January 2022
Djokovic stay highlights refugee concerns at Melbourne detention hotel - BBC News January 2022
The Park hotel as detention centre Inside Melbourne’s Park hotel, refugees sit and wait for Covid to find them | Australia news | The Guardian October 2021.”
Administration Response to Notice of Motion |
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Discussion
1. Hobart City Council resolved to declare the City of Hobart a “Refugee Welcome Zone” at its meeting on 23 August 2004. This is a commitment in spirit to welcoming refugees into the community, upholding the human rights of refugees, demonstrating compassion for refugees and enhancing cultural and religious diversity in the community. 2. Since that time, the Council has continued to advocate for refugee rights and to work closely with community partners to make Hobart a more inclusive and welcoming city for asylum seekers settling here. 3. It is considered that advocating for humanitarian settlement of the 30 asylum seekers currently being held at the Park Hotel, is aligned with our commitment as a Refugee Welcome Zone and aligns with the City’s role as a Welcoming City. 4. This advocacy can be tabled at the upcoming meeting of Networking for Harmony scheduled for 23 February 2022. Officers will encourage the network to advocate for settlement of these Asylum Seekers in Hobart as appropriate. 5. Officers will continue to provide active support for the Humanitarian Settlement Program Providers and the broader community sector in Hobart through Networking for Harmony and the Migrant Support Network. |
Strategic, Legislative and Policy Implications |
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Capital City Strategic Plan |
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Pillar: |
2 – Community inclusion, participation and belonging. |
Outcome: |
2.2 Hobart is a place where diversity is celebrated and everyone can belong, and where people have opportunities to learn about one another and participate in city life. |
Strategy: |
2.2.1 Support people from all backgrounds and life experiences to participate in Hobart life. 2.2.2 Support and advocate for all people and communities to celebrate their histories and identities and encourage mutual understanding. 2.2.3 Provide and support activities and programs that celebrate diversity to reduce social isolation and build social cohesion. |
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A City for All – Community Inclusion and Equity Framework and Multicultural Commitment |
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Strong alignment with the Hobart: A City for All – Community Inclusion and Equity Framework and the Multicultural Commitment 2021-2023 |
Legislation and Policy |
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Legislation: |
Not applicable |
Policy: |
No applicable |
Financial Implications
There are no specific financial implications over and above officer time, noting that Council officers already participate in the Networking for Harmony Committee.
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Agenda (Open Portion) Council Meeting |
Page 140 |
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31/1/2022 |
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14. Elected Member Professional Development Plan - Lord Mayor Councillor Anna Reynolds
File Ref: F22/2692
Memorandum of the Deputy Lord Mayor of 25 January 2022 and attachment.
Delegation: Council
Item No. 14 |
Agenda (Open Portion) Council Meeting |
Page 141 |
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31/1/2022 |
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Memorandum: Council
Elected Member Professional Development Plan - Lord Mayor Councillor Anna Reynolds
In accordance with the Elected Member Development and Support Policy, the attached Professional Development Plan for Lord Mayor Councillor Anna Reynolds is provided for information.
The estimated costs associated with the professional development plan is $130.00 which will be deducted from Lord Mayor Councillor Anna Reynolds individual allocation and attributed to the Elected Member professional development allocation within the Elected Member Allowances and Expenses Function of the Annual Plan 2021-22.
That the Professional Development Plan for Lord Mayor Councillor Anna Reynolds, as attached to the Open Council Agenda of 31 January 2022 be received and noted.
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As signatory to this report, I certify that, pursuant to Section 55(1) of the Local Government Act 1993, I hold no interest, as referred to in Section 49 of the Local Government Act 1993, in matters contained in this report.
Councillor H Burnet Deputy Lord Mayor |
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Date: 25 January 2022
File Reference: F22/2692
Attachment a: Professional Development Plan for LM Cr Anna Reynolds - Feb 2022 ⇩
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Agenda (Open Portion) Council Meeting |
Page 143 |
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31/1/2022 |
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That the Council resolve by absolute majority that the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to regulation 15(1) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015 because the items included on the closed agenda contain the following matters:
· Confirm the minutes of the Closed portion of the meeting · Leave of absence · Legal action involving the Council · Information provided to the Council on the condition that it is kept confidential
The following items are listed for discussion:-
Item No. 1 Minutes of the last meeting of the Closed Portion of the Council Meeting Item No. 2 Communication from the Chairman Item No. 3 Leave of Absence Item No. 4 Consideration of supplementary Items to the agenda Item No. 5 Indications of pecuniary and conflicts of interest Item No. 6.1 PLN-20-868 - 2 Sayer Crescent Sandy Bay - Appeal LG(MP)R 15(4)(a) Item No. 6.2 PLN-21-559 - 66 Alexander Street, Sandy Bay - Appeal - Mediation LG(MP)R 15(4)(a) Item No. 7 Risk and Audit Panel Minutes - 12 October 2021 and Special Risk and Audit Panel Minutes - 20 October 2021 LG(MP)R 15(2)(g) Item No. 8 Risk and Audit Panel - Annual Report to Council LG(MP)R 15(2)(g)
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