Minutes (Open Portion)

Council Meeting

Page 3

29/1/2024

Minutes (Open Portion)

Council Meeting

Page 5

29/01/2024

The Chairperson reports that she has perused the minutes of the meeting of the Open Portion of the Council meeting held on Monday, 11 December 2023, as well as the Open Portion of the Special Council meetings held on Monday 24 October 2023 and Wednesday 20 December 2023, and finds them to be a true record and recommends that they be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

Burnet

Bloomfield                                    That the recommendation be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

The minutes were signed.

The Lord Mayor reported that as part of her role as Lord Mayor and the duties set out under the Local Government Act 1993 she has produced a 2022-2023 annual report.

The report outlines the work that is carried out by Councillor Reynolds in her capacity as Lord Mayor to meet the eight specific functions and duties under legislation.

Some interesting statistics in key areas included:

·         Receiving and responding to 893 individual items of correspondence

·         81 one-on-one constituent meetings, including at 18 Mayor in the Chair sessions held in places around the City.

·         138 additional meetings with organisations, businesses and government agencies and politicians; and

·         Launched or opened 124 events, hosted 8 receptions, run 9 Town Hall sessions for schools and provided 53 media interviews.

The Report will be made available on the Council’s website and will be included as an attachment to the minutes.

Attachments

a    Lord Mayor Annual Report - 2022 - 23 ⇨  

Mr Peter Bicevskis put the following question and was provided with a response by the Acting Chief Executive Officer:

Question:

At the Council meeting held on 30 October 2023, referring to the Mount Nelson and Sandy Bay Neighbourhood Plan Discussion Paper, Councillor Lohberger asked:

“…. regarding page 60 of the attachment, which relates to UTAS, I do have some questions about this page and the information on there.  I notice that one of the dot points states that we acknowledge the aging building stock …..I’m just wondering about where that claim about the aging building stock comes from…….given that….UTAS’s most recent building condition report shows 60% of those buildings are in good condition.  So I would just like to ask where that claim has come from.”

To which the Council representative replied:

“That advice has come from both the property owner and our own observations.”

Was this advice of a general nature or did the property owner (ie UTAS} provide supporting evidence to substantiate this advice. Could Council please provide details of any such supporting evidence.

With regard to the statement that the advice also came from Council’s own observations of the condition of the UTAS building stock, could Council please provide details of these observations, including how the observations were carried out, the results of the observations, and where these results are documented.

Response:

The Mount Nelson and Sandy Bay Neighbourhood Plan (MNSBNP) Discussion Paper has identified that some of the building stock on the University of Tasmania (UTAS) Sandy Bay campus is aging and could provide an opportunity for mixed-use activation, potentially incorporating adaptive reuse of existing buildings where appropriate.

The MNSBNP project team has defined ‘aging’ as overall building condition and whether existing spaces are ‘fit for purpose’. The project team also notes that some of these existing spaces which are not ‘fit for purpose’ have been vacated and are siting empty.  The project team’s information primarily comes from documents lodged with the 2021 UTAS planning application, the property owner and from City of Hobart officer observations, with these being drawn from various site visits.

Further work is proposed in the next stage of the MNSBNP to review the UTAS Sandy Bay campus site in detail, and to consider future appropriate planning controls and building envelopes for a range of possible uses including education, community, services and housing to ensure appropriate built form outcomes.

The Acting Chief Executive Officer tabled a petition calling for Council to add a footpath to Romilly Street in South Hobart.

There were 144 signatories to the petition.

Burnet

Zucco   

That the petition be received and noted, referred to the relevant Portfolio Committee and a report returned to Council.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Attachments

a    Petition - Romilly Street ⇨  

10.     Response to Petition - Hobart Traffic Management

Posselt

Dutta     

That the recommendation contained within the officer report, marked as item 10 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.     The Council notes the matters raised in the petition titled ‘Hobart Traffic Management’.

2.     The Council notes that Road Closure Licence applications are assessed under regulation on a case-by-case basis with careful consideration of key factors relating to safety and accessibility to adjacent properties.

3.     The Council notes the report on the ‘Pedestrian Only (Scramble) Phase Trial Outcome and Recommendation’ included on the Council agenda of 29 January 2024..

4.     The lead petitioner be advised of the Council’s decision.

11.     Pedestrian Only (Scramble) Phase Trial Outcome and Recommendation

Burnet

Sherlock    

That the recommendation contained within the officer report, marked as item 11 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, be adopted.

Amendment

Posselt

Sherlock                                                                                               

That Council write to the State Government requesting a review of further signalised intersections for optimisation as guided by the Network Operation Plan.  This review should consider specifically the intersection of Elizabeth Street and Macquarie Street.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION LOST

VOTING RECORD

Motion without Notice

Bloomfield

Lohberger                                                                                            

That:

1.     Due to issues with the reported results, the report be submitted for peer review to ensure the substantiation of the recommendation is appropriate. 

2.     The report be submitted to Risk and Audit Panel and Council for consideration.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.     Due to issues with the reported results contained within the report titled ‘Pedestrian Only (Scramble) Phase Trial Outcome and Recommendation’, the report be submitted for peer review to ensure the substantiation of the recommendation is appropriate. 

2.     The report be submitted to Risk and Audit Panel and Council for consideration.

12.     Revised City of Hobart Risk Management Framework

Burnet

Sherlock    

That the recommendation contained within the officer report, marked as item 12 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, be adopted.

Amendment

Posselt

Lohberger                                                                                            

That Council officers commit to reviewing the Risk Management Framework no less than 12 months from the date of this decision with appropriate elected member input and discussion.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.     The Council approve the revised City of Hobart Risk Management Framework referenced at attachment A to item 12 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024.

2.     Council officers commit to reviewing the Risk Management Framework no less than 12 months from the date of this decision with appropriate elected member input and discussion.

13.     Clearway Towing (Vehicle Removal and Release) - Proposed Fee

Posselt

Burnet

That the recommendation contained within the officer report, marked as item 13 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, be adopted.

Amendment

Zucco

Bloomfield                                                                                            

That the Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to write to the State Government seeking advice on the potential power for the City to clamp vehicles.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.     The Fees, Charges and Infringement fines for Clearway Towing (Vehicle Removal and Release) be set to reflect the charges set by the Department of State Growth for the same offence.

2.     In accordance with the Roads and Jetties Act 1935 s48B(3), the City of Hobart provide for a towing fee of $382.62 to be charged per vehicle towed plus $60.00 per day for vehicle storage beyond an initial two-day storage period for vehicles removed from a Clearway zone (included in the towing fee). 

3.     The Council as road authority, delegate to the Chief Executive Officer:

(i)     The power to order the removal of vehicles under section 48B(1) of the Roads and Jetties Act 1935.

(ii)    Subject to section 48B (5) of the Roads and Jetties Act 1935 the power to sell, destroy or give away a vehicle (and anything in, on or attached to the vehicle) if the owner of the vehicle has not paid the set within 60 days of the date when the vehicle was first moved, kept or impounded under section 48B (4) of the Roads and Jetties Act 1935.

(iii)    The power to delegate the powers outlined above at 3 (i) and (ii) to council employees under section 64 of the Local Government Act 1993.

4.     The Council delegates to the Chief Executive Officer, the authority to develop the arrangements and operational policy to support and undertake clearway towing and vehicle removal operations.  

5.     The Council delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to write to the State Government seeking advice on the potential power for the City to clamp vehicles.

14.     2023-24 Capital Projects Mid-Year Report

Burnet

Sherlock    

That the recommendation contained within the officer report, marked as item 14 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, be adopted.

Procedural Motion

Dutta

Lohberger                                                                                            

That the 2023-24 Capital Projects Mid-Year Report be deferred for further consideration at a Council workshop.

PROCEDURAL MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That the 2023-24 Capital Projects Mid-Year Report be deferred for further consideration at a Council workshop.

15.     Submission - Discussion Paper - Developing a new threatened species strategy for Tasmania

Burnet

Lohberger  

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 15 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That the Council endorse the draft submission to the Tasmanian Threatened Species Strategy Discussion Paper, marked as Attachment A to item 15 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024.

16.     Submission - Office of Local Government discussion paper - Managing conflicts of interests of councillors

Sherlock

Posselt       

That the recommendation contained within the officer report. marked as item 16 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, be adopted.

Amendment

DUTTA

LOHBERGER                                                                                            

That the submission include reference to enhancing the definition of ‘close associates’ to include close friends.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Amendment

Bloomfield

Posselt                                                                                                  

That the submission include reference to include look-through provisions as defined by taxation principles.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That Council endorse the draft submission to the Office of Local Government’s Managing conflicts of interest of councillors – framework discussion paper, marked at Attachment A to item 16 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, subject to the following amendments: 

a)    The submission include reference to enhancing the definition of ‘close associates’ to include close friends.

b)    The submission include reference to include look-through provisions as defined by taxation principles.

17.     Submission - Department of State Growth - Keeping Hobart Moving Draft Plan

Posselt

Sherlock    

That the recommendation contained within the officer report, marked as item 17 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2023, be adopted.

Amendment

Burnet

Lohberger                                                                                            

That:

1.       As part of the Council’s submission to the State Government’s Keep Hobart Moving transport plan, Council consider the role registered motorised scooters and motorbikes play. This modality of transport, particularly with electric options, emits fewer greenhouse gas emissions than cars, can help reduce congestion, and addresses cost of living pressures associated with running vehicles, by offering a cheaper alternative to four wheels, to both purchase and to run.

2.       As part of a response to encouraging the uptake of road-registered motorised scooters and motorbikes, the Council consider:

a.     improving parking options in the city and at other areas in the municipality such as shopping precincts for motor bikes and motor scooters, with safety and convenience in mind

b.     converting a number of car spaces in Dunn Street car park as safer alternatives to motorbike parking in fast-moving traffic

c.     the Council resolution of 27 June 2022 in respect of ‘Motor Bike Parking Reinstatement – Elizabeth Street between Macquarie and Davey Streets’.

d.     request that the Mobility Portfolio Committee

                                                    i.     inspect motorbike parking with representative groups to ascertain how increased demand in motorbike and motor scooter parking may be addressed.

                                                   ii.     Consider end of trip facilities (i.e lockers with motorbike parking in multistories and at businesses) and electric motorcycle charging/battery swap programs.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

The Chairperson then vacated the Chair in order to move an amendment motion.

Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Burnet assumed the Chair.

Amendment

Reynolds

Dutta

That the following comment also be included as part of the submission:

Council notes that the most recent major study into the corridor, undertaken for the State Government by PWC in 2020 found that the light rail will create 4657 extra dwellings in the corridor versus only 1043 dwellings for 2027 so from the perspective of the urban renewal opportunity for the City, light rail will see greater benefits.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

The Lord Mayor resumed the Chair.

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.       The Council endorse the submission, marked as Attachment A to item 17 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, to the Department of State Growth in response to Keeping Hobart Moving Draft Plan consultation with the inclusion of the following statement:

Council notes that the most recent major study into the corridor, undertaken for the State Government by PWC in 2020 found that the light rail will create 4657 extra dwellings in the corridor versus only 1043 dwellings for 2027 so from the perspective of the urban renewal opportunity for the City, light rail will see greater benefits.

2.       As part of the Council’s submission to the State Government’s Keep Hobart Moving transport plan, Council consider the role registered motorised scooters and motorbikes play. This modality of transport, particularly with electric options, emits fewer greenhouse gas emissions than cars, can help reduce congestion, and addresses cost of living pressures associated with running vehicles, by offering a cheaper alternative to four wheels, to both purchase and to run.

3.       As part of a response to encouraging the uptake of road-registered motorised scooters and motorbikes, the Council consider:

a.     improving parking options in the city and at other areas in the municipality such as shopping precincts for motor bikes and motor scooters, with safety and convenience in mind

b.     converting a number of car spaces in Dunn Street car park as safer alternatives to motorbike parking in fast-moving traffic

c.     the Council resolution of 27 June 2022 in respect of ‘Motor Bike Parking Reinstatement – Elizabeth Street between Macquarie and Davey Streets’.

d.     request that the Mobility Portfolio Committee

                                                    i.     inspect motorbike parking with representative groups to ascertain how increased demand in motorbike and motor scooter parking may be addressed.

                                                   ii.     Consider end of trip facilities (i.e lockers with motorbike parking in multistories and at businesses) and electric motorcycle charging/battery swap programs.

18.     Submission - Climate Change Office - Emissions Reduction and Resilience Plan for Transport and Waste

Burnet

Lohberger  

That the recommendation contained within the officer report, marked as item 18 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNICL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.     The Council endorse the draft submission, marked as Attachment A to item 18 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, provided to the Tasmanian Government to inform the Tasmanian Emission Reduction and Resilience Plan for Transport.

2.     The Council endorse the draft submission, marked as Attachment C to item 18 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, provided to the Tasmanian Government to inform the Tasmanian Emission Reduction and Resilience Plan for Waste.

19.     Freedom of Entry March

Posselt

Bloomfield

That the recommendation contained within the report of the Acting Chief Executive Officer, marked as item 19 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.     The Council approve the request for Freedom of Entry to HMAS Hobart Royal Australian Navy, to be acknowledged in a public ceremony coordinated by the City of Hobart and scheduled for 9 March 2024, at a cost of up to $10,000 to be funding from the Creative City Community Events – Activation Programs line item in the 2023/24 financial year.

2.     City officers continue to liaise with relevant stakeholders to arrange and conduct the ceremonial event.

20.     Acting Lord Mayor Higher Duties Allowance

Dutta

Posselt       

That the recommendation contained within the report of the Acting Chief Executive Officer, marked as item 20 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, be adopted.

Procedural Motion

Bloomfield

Kelly                             That the matter be deferred for further information.

PROCEDURAL MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

 That the matter be deferred for further information.

21.     Change of Council Meeting Date

Sherlock

Bloomfield

That the recommendation contained within the report of the Acting Chief Executive Officer, marked as item 21 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That the Council meeting scheduled to be held at 5pm on Monday 18 March 2024, be moved to 5pm on Tuesday 19 March 2024.

22.     Annual General Meeting Motions

Burnet

Sherlock    

That the recommendation contained within the report of the Acting Chief Executive Officer, marked as item 22 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That in accordance with Section 72B of the Local Government Act 1993, the Council note the following two motions adopted unanimously at the City of Hobart Annual General Meeting of 28 November 2022:

a)  The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Monday, 28 November 2022, be confirmed as an accurate record.

b)  That the City of Hobart Annual Report for 2022-23 be adopted.

23.     Salamanca Place Amplified Music Trial 2024

Alderman Zucco

Motion:

1.  “That the Hobart City Council consider trialling amplified music in the designated and existing outdoor occupation licence dining areas across Salamanca Place from midday to 8pm on Sundays for a trial period of 12 months.

2.  That all venues participating in the trial must adhere to any noise/sound levels that are imposed as per conditions.

3.  That the Acting CEO be provided delegated authority to consult with relevant traders, the Sullivans Cove Traders Association, the THA and relevant stakeholders to develop a management plan for the trial and report back to Council by February 19^th, 2024.

4.  That any required or relevant amendments to existing occupation licences form part of the council report.

5.  That once implemented a report be provided back to Council within 12 months of implementation for consideration as per the trial outcomes.”

Rationale:

“It is widely known right across the spectrum that Salamanca Place is the premier entertainment precinct of Hobart.

It is acknowledged that Salamanca Place is also a Heritage allowing amplified music in a controlled environment in existing occupation licenced areas will not detract from the Heritage of Salamanca.

Music is culture and no doubt in the early history of Salamanca Place music would have played a role in its vibrance then and enhance this vibrant precent on a Sunday be it may in the early days the music may not have been amplified but no doubt bawdy and lively.

The intent is not to have heavy rock or Duff Duff but a singular or duo playing “Mood Music”. 

There is an establishment that has amplified music in an occupation area in Salamanca Place and has done so for many months that I am aware of. I have witnessed a video of this establishment.

Currently the Hobart City Council allows amplified busking in certain areas of Salamanca but not on a Sunday.

It is only intended to allow the trial in existing occupation licenced areas and not Salamanca Square.

This will not be detrimental to Salamanca Market as that is conducted on a Saturday where Council considered ratepayer funds to have musicians and buskers perform at the market.

Unlike the Salamanca Market proposal where the ratepayer would fund the music. The proposed “Sunday sessions would be paid for by the respective establishment at no cost to ratepayers to enhance Salamanca Place for locals and visitors who will no doubt embrace such a trial.

The intended trial area already has the ability for traders to have piped music which is a form of amplified music with the only difference being that it’s not via a live musician and I see no difference as long it’s in a controlled environment.”

Zucco

Sherlock                                                                                               

That the motion be adopted with the inclusion of the following amendments:

1.     The word ‘live’ be included after the word ‘trialling’ in clause 1

2.     The words ‘Battery Point Community Association’ be included after ‘THA’ in clause 3

Amendment

Dutta
POSSELT       

That the trial be undertaken over six months rather than 12 months.

AMENDMENT LOST

VOTING RECORD

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.  That the Hobart City Council consider trialling live amplified music in the designated and existing outdoor occupation licence dining areas across Salamanca Place from midday to 8pm on Sundays for a trial period of 12 months.

2.  That all venues participating in the trial must adhere to any noise/sound levels that are imposed as per conditions.

3.  That the Acting CEO be provided delegated authority to consult with relevant traders, the Sullivans Cove Traders Association, the THA, Battery Point Community Association and relevant stakeholders to develop a management plan for the trial and report back to Council by February 19^th, 2024.

4.  That any required or relevant amendments to existing occupation licences form part of the council report.

5.  That once implemented a report be provided back to Council within 12 months of implementation for consideration as per the trial outcomes.

24.     Bus Lay-Overs

Alderman Bloomfield, Councillor Kelly

Motion

“That existing and proposed bus lay-overs within the CBD be examined as a priority within the current Transport Strategy Refresh.”

Rationale:

“The City of Hobart currently has 23 bus lay-over spaces with an another 6 proposed as part the Transport Strategy Refresh.

This is in addition to the existing bus stops and loading zones (which are at times being used illegally).

We ask that these existing and proposed lay-overs be examined as a priority within the current Transport Strategy Refresh with a view to their removal to from the prime CBD area to more appropriate undeveloped spaces. This combined with the more modern practices of 'Hub & Spoke" and "Flow Through" practices should be thoroughly examined.

With reference to the New South Wales Government's "Guidelines for the Planning of Bus Lay-over Parking" such spaces should

- be sensitive to the local land use

- consider future land use changes

- if located within centres, options to minimise the footprint of lay-overs should be thoroughly investigated

- be at the discretion of the local council

Currently there is no charge levied by Council for the bus lay-over spaces and this should be considered especially as some of these spaces are used by commercial bus operators.

With no revenues collected for these bus lay-overs, this represents a loss in excess of $500,000 to the City of Hobart if these spaces were utilised as paid car parking.

The current lay-overs are located primarily in front of Hobart's prime heritage buildings (TMAG, Town Hall etc) - not a good look for our tourists and locals.

The diesel fumes that are emitted whilst the buses sit idling for long periods are not only a health hazard to passing pedestrians but also pollute the sensitive sandstone of our heritage buildings.

At a time where approximately 100 car spaces in Davey and Macquarie Streets have recently been lost, combined with the additional need for more disability curb side parking  bus lay-overs should not be increased but decreased.

A modern forward thinking strategy needs to be adopted for the use of bus lay-overs in the current Transport Strategy Refresh.

By removing these outdated transport practices that are decades old, we will aspire to the principles of the recently adopted Central Hobart Structure Plan to make Hobart a amore vibrant city, with more open spaces, becoming a more attractive place to live and work, with improved amenity and street vibrancy.”

Bloomfield

Kelly                                                                                                       

That the motion be adopted with the inclusion of the following clause:

2.     The Transport Strategy Refresh also investigates a requirement that busses cease idling and emitting diesel fumes while sitting in City of Hobart provided lay-overs.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.     The existing and proposed bus lay-overs within the CBD be examined as a priority within the current Transport Strategy Refresh.

2.     The Transport Strategy Refresh also investigates a requirement that busses cease idling and emitting diesel fumes while sitting in City of Hobart provided lay-overs.

25.     RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Regulation 29 of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015.

File Ref: 13-1-10

The Council is reminded that in accordance with Regulation 29(3) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015, the Chairperson is not to allow discussion or debate on either the question or the response.

Burnet

Posselt                                                                                                  

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 25 of the Open Council Agenda of 29 January 2024, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTIION:

That the following responses to questions without notice be received and noted:

Memorandum of the Director City Enablers 15 January 2024.

Memorandum of the Director City Enablers 15 January 2024.

Memorandum of the Acting Director City Futures 15 January 2024.

26.     QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Regulation 29 of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015.

File Ref: 13-1-10

Question:

At the last Council meeting I asked a question of the Lord Mayor about overseas travel and any reports that have been provided on these, can the Lord Mayor provide a response to these questions tonight? 

Response:

The Lord Mayor advised that the question was taken on notice and a response has not yet been provided however will be provided to the next Council meeting.

Question:

Has the Council, any Acting CEO, any CEO, the Lord Mayor or any Elected Member received any correspondence from the Integrity Commission and if so, when?

Response:

The Acting Chief Executive Officer took the question on notice.

Question:

Can the Acting Chief Executive Officer advise when the e-scooter licence will be signed?

Response:

The Director Connected City advised that council officers are in the process of finalising the tender and that a licence will be signed by the end of February.

Question:

Eight weeks ago I asked for information on the workings behind the 7850 population growth projection in the Sandy Bay and Mount Nelson Neighbourhood Plan, which has been provided today. Was this information known when the figure was originally provided?

Do the private organisations involved in providing this population growth figure have an existing or former pecuniary relationship with UTAS?

Did either of these private organisations provide reports or information used by UTAS in support of its plan to relocate the Sandy Bay campus into the Hobart CBD?

If the answer to either of the two previous questions is yes, why were these organisations selected to provide information required for this particularly sensitive neighbourhood planning process?

Response:

The Acting Chief Executive Officer took the questions on notice.

Question:

In The Mercury on 2 November 2023, its reported that the City of Hobart  has been accepted as a City of Literature. It is my understanding that Council has only agreed to placing a nomination for acceptance and that a further report on the cost were pending?

Response:

The Lord Mayor advised that the City is now a City of Literature and all that was to be determined is a decision on whether the Council wishes to provided a funding contribution to secretariate or not. This will be the subject of a future report.