Minutes (Open Portion)

Council Meeting

Page 1

30/6/2025

Minutes (Open Portion)

Council Meeting

Page 1

30/06/2025

Sherlock

Lohberger

The Chairperson reports that she has perused the minutes of the meeting of the Open Portion of the Council meeting held on Monday, 26 May 2025 and the minutes of the meeting of the Open Portion of the Special Council meeting held on Wednesday, 11 June 2025, finds them to be a true record and recommends that they be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Council Resolution:

The minutes were signed.

Sherlock

Posselt

That the information contained within the following responses to public questions taken without notice, marked as item 5.2 of the Open Council Agenda 30 June 2025, be received and noted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Council Resolution:

That the following responses to public questions taken on notice, be received and noted:

5.2.1            Suspended Networking Harmony Meetings

5.2.2            South Hobart Oval

The Lord Mayor advised the chamber, with great sadness, of the passing of the former Hobart City Council Lord Mayoress Fumiko Plaister on 14 June 2025, aged 91 years.

Fumiko’s journey with Hobart began in the mid-1970s when the then Lord Mayor, Alderman Doug Plaister, visited Yaizu and met a remarkable local woman, Fumiko, who would later become his wife.

Together, they laid the foundation for what would become one of the most enduring and meaningful sister city relationships between Hobart and Yaizu, formalised on 17 February 1977. This relationship is now the sixth oldest Japan-Australia sister city partnership.

For decades, and well beyond her time as Lady Mayoress, Fumiko was a tireless champion of this connection. Her efforts help to build a lasting bridge between our cities - one that has carried cultural exchanges, student delegations, and friendships. Her personal involvement in Council delegations to Yaizu and in welcoming Yaizu delegations to Hobart was very much appreciated and instrumental in strengthening our ties.

Fumiko’s contributions extended far beyond diplomacy. She was a life member of the Australia-Japan Society (Tasmania) since 2007, and for over 30 years, she passionately promoted Japanese art and culture, encouraged the study of the Japanese language, and offered hospitality and heartfelt assistance to Japanese visitors in Tasmania. Her warmth and generosity touched many lives.

She danced in the Council’s Christmas Pageant alongside visiting performers, including the former Mayor of Yaizu’s wife, Mrs Tomoto, who travelled to Tasmania with a group of dancers in a wonderful celebration of cultural unity that Fumiko helped bring to life.

In recognition of her lifelong dedication, Fumiko was awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Award and the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun – Silver Rays. This is an honour bestowed upon individuals who have rendered distinguished service to Japan, and Fumiko was truly deserving.

Her life in Hobart was one of service, friendship, and unwavering commitment to fostering mutual understanding between cultures.

Fumiko will be remembered for her extraordinary contributions to Hobart, to Yaizu, and to the enduring friendship between Tasmania and Japan.

The City sends our deepest and sincere sympathies to Fumiko’s family and friends.

As a mark of respect, the Lord Mayor asked the chamber to rise and to observe a minute’s silence.

10.     2025-26 Annual Plan and Budget Estimates

Harvey

Dutta

That the recommendation contained within the officer report, marked as item 10 of the Open Council Agenda of 30 June 2025, be adopted.

Posselt

Sherlock

That Councillor Elliot be granted an additional two minutes to address the meeting.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Council Resolution:

That:

1.     In accordance with section 82(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, the revenues, expenses and capital works program detailed in the 2025-26 Budget Estimates (Attachment A) be adopted.

2.     The 2025-26 Annual Plan (Attachment B) be adopted.

3.     The City of Hobart Rates Resolution 2025-26 (Attachment C), be adopted as follows:

(i)     Pursuant to s.90 of the Local Government Act 1993, a General Rate of 0.2951 cents in the dollar of Capital Value be made. 

(ii)    Pursuant to s.107 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council declares by absolute majority that the General Rate is varied according to the use or predominant use of land, as follows:

a)     for land used for commercial purposes, vary the General Rate to 0.5659 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

b)     for land used for industrial purposes, vary the General Rate to 0.5659 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

c)     for land used for primary production purposes, vary the General Rate to 0.2264 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

d)     for land used for public enterprise purposes, vary the General Rate to 0.3806 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

e)     for land used for residential purposes, vary the General Rate to 0.2264 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

f)      For land used for residential short stay visitor accommodation purposes, vary the General Rate to 0.4528 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

g)     for land used for sporting or recreation facilities purposes, vary the General Rate to 0.3045 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

h)     for non-use of the land, vary the General Rate to 0.2851 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

i)      For non-use residential land, vary the General Rate to 0.5702 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

(iii)    Pursuant to s.88A(1)(a) and (b) of the Local Government Act 1993 the Council by absolute majority sets and declares that the maximum percentage increase cap on the General Rate for land used or predominately used for commercial and industrial purposes (as previously made and varied in 4.i and 4.ii above) is 5 per cent above the amount payable in respect of that rateable land in the 2024-25 financial year.

(iv)   Pursuant to s.88A(2)(b) of the Local Government Act 1993 the Council by absolute majority fixes the condition that to qualify for the maximum percentage increase cap (as previously made and varied above) the rateable land must not be subject to a supplementary valuation issued by the Valuer-General during the period from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.

(v)    Pursuant to s.93 of the Local Government Act 1993, a Stormwater Removal Service Rate of 0.0237 cents in the dollar of Capital Value be made.

(vi)   Pursuant to s.107 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council declares by absolute majority that the Stormwater Removal Service Rate is varied according to the use or predominant use of land, as follows:

a)     for land used for commercial purposes, vary the Stormwater Removal Service Rate to 0.0392 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

b)     for land used for industrial purposes, vary the Stormwater Removal Service Rate to 0.0359 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

c)     for land used for primary production purposes, vary the Stormwater Removal Service rate to 0.0207 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

d)     for land used for public enterprise purposes, vary the Stormwater Removal Service Rate to 0.0209 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

e)     for land used for residential purposes, vary the Stormwater Removal Service Rate to 0.0196 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

f)      for land used for sporting or recreation facilities purposes, vary the Stormwater Removal Service Rate to 0.0126 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

g)     for non-use of the land, vary the Stormwater Removal Service Rate to 0.0210 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

(vii)   Pursuant to s.93A of the Local Government Act 1993 and the provisions of the Fire Service Act 1979 (as amended), the Council makes the following service rates for land within the municipal area:

a)     A permanent brigade district fire rate of 0.0542 cents in the dollar of Capital Value subject to a minimum amount of $50 in respect of all rateable land within the permanent brigade rating district.

b)     A Fern Tree volunteer brigade district fire rate of 0.0135 cents in the dollar of Capital Value subject to a minimum amount of $50 in respect of all rateable land within the Fern Tree volunteer brigade rating district.

c)     A general land fire rate of 0.0121 cents in the dollar of Capital Value subject to a minimum amount of $50 in respect of all rateable land within the municipal area which is not within the permanent brigade rating district or the Fern Tree volunteer brigade rating district. 

(viii)  Pursuant to s.107 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council declares by absolute majority that the permanent brigade district fire rate is varied within the permanent brigade rating district according to the use or predominant use of land, as follows:

a)     for land used for commercial purposes, vary the permanent brigade district fire rate to 0.0857 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

b)     for land used for industrial purposes, vary the permanent brigade district fire rate to 0.0775 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

c)     for land used for primary production purposes, vary the permanent brigade district fire rate to 0.0445 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

d)     for land used for public enterprise purposes, vary the permanent brigade district fire rate to 0.0884 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

e)     for land used for residential purposes, vary the permanent brigade district fire rate to 0.0425 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

f)      for land used for sporting or recreation facilities purposes, vary the permanent brigade district fire rate to 0.0244 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

g)     for non-use of the land, vary the permanent brigade district fire rate to 0.0435 cents in the dollar of Capital Value.

(ix)   Pursuant to s.94 of the Local Government Act 1993, a Waste Management Service Charge be made and varied according to the use or predominant use of land as follows:

a)     A Service charge of $300 to apply to residential properties; and

b)     A Service charge of $600 to apply to non-residential properties.

(x)    Pursuant to s.94 of the Local Government Act 1993, a Waste Management Service Charge of $85 be made for kerbside food organics garden organics waste collection for all rateable land within the municipal area to which Council supplies or makes available a food organics garden organics waste collection service fortnightly utilising a food organics garden organics waste collection bin.

(xi)   Pursuant to s.94 of the Local Government Act 1993, a Waste Management Service Charge for food organics garden organics collection be made in the sum of $176.00 for all rateable land within the municipal area to which Council supplies or makes available a food organics garden organics waste collection service weekly utilising a food organics garden organics collection bin.

(xii)   Pursuant to s.94 of the Local Government Act 1993, a service charge be made for waste management services to offset a levy payable by the Council to the State Government under the Waste and Resource Recovery Act 2022 (a Waste Management Levy Offset Service Charge) and varied according to the use or predominant use of land as follows:

a)     A Service charge of $24 to apply to residential properties; and

b)     A Service charge of $48 to apply to non-residential properties.

(xiii)  Pursuant to s94 of the Local Government Act 1993, a service charge be made of $117 for an initial service charge for waste, or recycling, residential or non-residential and $191 to upgrade from a 120Lt to 240Lt mobile garbage bin residential.

4.     The penalty on unpaid rates be 3 per cent of the amount. 

5.     The interest rate on unpaid rates be 10.3 per cent per annum, charged monthly.

6.     The following delegation be approved:

(i)     Pursuant to section 22 of the Local Government Act 1993, the Council delegate to the Chief Executive Officer, being the General Manager as appointed by Council pursuant to section 61 of the Local Government Act 1993 the power to expend monies on the Council’s behalf identified as Delegation Classification 1 items in the Council’s Annual Plan 2025-26; and, the Council authorise the Chief Executive Officer to delegate, pursuant Section 64 of the Local Government Act 1993, to such employees of the Council as he considers appropriate, the power to expend monies on the Council’s behalf identified as Delegation Classification 1 items in the Council’s Annual Plan.

7.     The Council adopt the amended City of Hobart Rates and Charges Policy (Attachment D).

8.     The Chief Executive Officer be authorised to make minor administrative amendments to finalise the City of Hobart Rates and Charges Policy and arrange for it to be made available to the public in a paper format from the Council’s Customer Service Centre and in an electronic format from Council’s website.

9.     The Council note the observations of the Risk and Audit Panel as detailed in this report.

11.     Draft Waste Management Strategy

Kitsos

Lohberger

That the recommendation contained within the officer report, marked as item 11 of the Open Council Agenda of 30 June 2025, be adopted.

Sherlock

Posselt

That Councillor Harvey be granted an additional three minutes to address the meeting.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

The Lord Mayor vacated the chair at 5.23pm to move an amendment.  The Deputy Lord Mayor assumed the chair.

Amendment

Reynolds

Posselt

That the following motion be amended to include additional clauses:

2.     Officers explore regulatory powers to introduce a by-law to prevent commercial food and garden waste going into landfill by 2030.

3.     Council explores requiring that refrigerated appliances (e.g. fridges, freezers, air conditioners) be degassed prior to disposal at McRobies and Lutana waste management facilities, and investigate Council providing this service.

Posselt

Harvey

That the Lord Mayor be granted an additional three minutes to address the meeting.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Posselt

Bloomfield

That Councillor Harvey be granted an additional two minutes to address the meeting.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

The Lord Mayor resumed the Chair at 5.55pm, the substantive motion was then put to the vote.

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Council Resolution:

That:

1.     The Council endorse the Waste Management Strategy (marked as Attachment A) as the framework to guide the delivery of responsible waste services, honouring our commitment to zero waste to landfill and closure of Hobart’s landfill.

2.     Officers explore regulatory powers to introduce a by-law to prevent commercial food and garden waste going into landfill by 2030.

3.     Council explores requiring that refrigerated appliances (e.g. fridges, freezers, air conditioners) be degassed prior to disposal at McRobies and Lutana waste management facilities, and investigate Council providing this service.

12.     Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030

Sherlock

Lohberger

That the recommendation contained within the officer report, marked as item 12 of the Open Council Agenda of 30 June 2025, be adopted.

Sherlock

Posselt

That Councillor Harvey be granted an additional three minutes to address the meeting.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Amendment

Harvey

Kitsos

That the following additional clause be added to the motion:

4.     Council commence a process under section 21 of the Cat Management Act to declare all Council Bushland Reserves under the Act.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Council Resolution:

That:

1.     The review of the Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2024 (marked attachment A) be noted.

2.     The Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030 (marked attachment A), be endorsed as the City's strategic framework for biodiversity management of the City’s bushland reserves.

3.     The Council authorises the development of a revised external-facing document, "Protecting our Wild Heart: An Action Plan for Hobart's Bushlands," to communicate the City's biodiversity commitments to the community.

5.          Council commence a process under section 21 of the Cat Management Act to declare all Council Bushland Reserves under the Act.

13.     City of Hobart Christmas Pageant - Myer Sponsorship

Sherlock

Dutta

That the recommendation contained within the officer report, marked as item 13 of the Open Council Agenda of 30 June 2025, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Council Resolution:

That:

1.     The Council endorse a three (3) year sponsorship agreement with Myer for the City of Hobart Christmas Pageant for 2025, 2026, and 2027, with sponsorship obligations of:

(i)     $99,000 total cash (excluding GST) sponsorship and exclusive naming rights of the Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant over three (3) years.

(ii)    Provision of one (1) $2,500 gift card per annum (Total $7,500 over three years) to go to each year’s Pageant float winner.

(iii)    One-off investment of $10,000 to refurbish the Santa Float.

2.     The Council delegate the authority to the Chief Executive Officer to finalise a sponsorship agreement and any licence requirements with Myer Pty Ltd for the Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant for the duration of the term, including the details of the sponsorship events and activities, obligations, and rights.

14.     Proposal for a Town Hall Open Day

Harvey

Sherlock

That the recommendation contained within the officer report, marked as item 14 of the Open Council Agenda of 30 June 2025, be adopted.

Amendment

Kelly

Lohberger

That the Chief Executive Officer consider the possibility of a tram being incorporated into the Town Hall Open Day, subject to costs and logistics.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Council Resolution:

That:

1.     A Town Hall Open Day be staged on Sunday 19 October 2025.

2.     A budget allocation of $15,000 be provided for in the City Venues budget for the 2025-26 financial year.

3.     The Chief Executive Officer be authorised to finalise the event management and communications plan.

4.     The Chief Executive Officer consider the possibility of a tram being incorporated into the Town Hall Open Day, subject to costs and logistics.

5.     A post-event report be provided to the Council following the 2025 event.

15.     Response to Petition - Traffic Issues Wynyard Street South Hobart

Sherlock

Posselt

That the recommendation contained within the officer report, marked as item 15 of the Open Council Agenda of 30 June 2025, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Council Resolution:

That:

1.     The Council notes the technical findings undertaken by Council officers and the conclusion to provide further enforcement in parking zones and the yellow line on Macquarie Street, south of the junction.

2.     Officers will conduct a review in two months’ time.

3.     The lead petitioners be advised of the outcomes of this report.

16.     Local Government Association of Tasmania General Meeting - Proposed Motion

Sherlock

Lohberger

That the recommendation contained within the officer report, marked as item 16 of the Open Council Agenda of 30 June 2025, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Council Resolution:

That:

1.     The Council provide the following motion to the Local Government Association of Tasmania General Meeting to be held on 25 July 2025:

        The Local Government Association of Tasmania to lobby the Tasmanian Government to commit to:

(a) reinstate the Tasmanian Government’s Better Active Transport Grant program; and

(b) increase the ongoing annual funding of the Better Active Transport Grant program to not less than 1% of the annual roads budget.

17.     Elected Member Legal Costs

Sherlock

Posselt

That the recommendation contained within the officer report, marked as item 17 of the Open Council Agenda of 30 June 2025, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Council Resolution:

That:

1.     Council note and receive the report, marked as item 17 of the Open Council Agenda of 30 June 2025, and the legal advice within; and

2.     Council resolves to approve the proposed amendments (marked as Attachment A to item 17 of the Open Council Agenda of 30 June 2025) to Section Q of the Elected Members’ Development and Support Policy.

18.     Proposed Planning Application Fee Waiver - SHE Wellness Centre

Sherlock

Harvey

That the recommendation contained within the officer report, marked as item 18 of the Open Council Agenda of 30 June 2025, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Council Resolution:

That:

1.     Pursuant to section 207 of the Local Government Act 1993, the Council remits all fees for an application for planning approval for a cancer wellness centre at 31-35 Campbell Street, Hobart.

2.     A policy be developed on the circumstances in which the Council would remit fees for planning applications.

Harvey

Lohberger

That the information contained in the following response to questions without notice, marked as item 19.1 and 19.2 of the Open Council Agenda of 30 June 2025, be received and noted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Council Resolution:

That the information contained in the following responses to questions without notice, be received and noted.

Question:         In 2024/2025 how much has been spent on legal costs associated with Elected Members?

Response:        The Acting Chief Executive Officer took this question on notice.

Question:         In a social media post tonight a claim was made that there was a motion moved to reduce the rates to 2% increase and that was rejected.  Was Council ever afforded the opportunity to vote on a 2% rate rise motion?  Did it occur and was it rejected?

Response:        The Manager Legal and Corporate Governance advised that there was a foreshadowed alternative motion.  The Council did not vote on it because the motion on the table was carried.

Question:         Can the Acting Chief Executive Officer clarify, that a 2% Rates Rise motion was never put and therefore could never have been rejected?

Response:        The Manager Legal and Corporate Governance confirmed that the motion was rejected in the sense that the recommendation as proposed on the agenda was put, therefore negating the need to consider the alternative motion.

Question:         In this chamber tonight, did we receive a foreshadowed motion calling to reduce our rates rise to be 2%?

Response:        The Manager Legal and Corporate Governance confirmed that Council received a foreshadowed motion but it never proceeded to be moved and voted on because the motion on the table had to fail to bring on the foreshadowed motion; that did not occur.

Question:         Did we vote on a 2% Rate rise foreshadowed motion?

Response:        The Manager Legal and Corporate Governance advised that Council did not vote on a motion for a 2% Rate rise.

POSSELT

KITSOS

That the register of questions arising during debate, marked as item 21 of the Open Council Agenda of 30 June 2025, be received and noted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Council Resolution:

That the register of questions arising during debate be received and noted.