Minutes (Open Portion)

Council Meeting

Page 1

24/4/2023

Minutes (Open Portion)

Council Meeting

Page 1

24/04/2023

The Chairman reports that she has perused the minutes of the meeting of the Open Portion of the Council meeting held on Monday, 20 March 2023, finds them to be a true record and recommends that they be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

Burnet

Posselt                                                   That the recommendation be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

The minutes were signed.

Anne Burleigh and Chris Goggins put the following question and was provided with the corresponding response by the Chief Executive Officer.

Background:

Whilst the precinct plan has many good ideas there is concern that it's simply a mechanism to enable UTAS to move from the Sandy Bay Campus to the Hobart Central Business District.

There are numerous references: For example the "Innovation Precinct" which includes such key actions as:

"4. Explore the future desired Streetscape function and character of Melville Street." A theme central to the UTAS move!

Moreover the whole Innovation Precinct has not been a part of any previous documentation, yet it seems to cover over a quarter of the area covered by this plan!

We were told at previous consultations about the precinct plan that UTAS would not be discussed, but yet the Innovation Precinct appears to be set up for them!

My question is for the CEO, through the Lord Mayor.

Question:

Will the Council record within the Innovation Precinct Plan, the will of the 22,631 Ratepayers with regards to the UTAS move and respect and honour their NO vote?

Response:

Central Hobart Plan - context

Hobart has experienced steady population growth over recent years, and its population and employment are expected to increase even further in the next decades. The Central Hobart Plan aims to guide that growth and change in our central 64 blocks over the next two decades in a manner that will strengthen what’s great about Hobart, and what makes the city liveable and distinctive.   

Central Hobart Plan – Innovation Precinct

A fundamental part of the evolution and growth of Hobart is the predicted need for additional office space to accommodate approximately 11,500 additional workers over the next 20 years. Additional employment opportunities are likely the greatest in the Innovation Precinct, as it has a significant number of larger sites with uses that do not fully capitalise on their City Centre location. The Innovation Precinct seeks to provide employment opportunities for the city based on the close walking proximity to all the City Centre has to offer including education, recreation, government and culture and to complement the existing City Centre employment base. It is also a significant opportunity for key worker housing within walking distance of employment.

The Innovation Precinct is a direct response to “Idea Three: A place to learn and work” in the Central Hobart Precincts Plan, which identified a thriving knowledge economy as a future direction. It is also an evolution of the proposed Trinity Campbell precinct but more clearly showing the link to the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Sandy Bay and Mount Nelson – future Structure Plan

To manage this growth sustainably and respond to new and emerging global challenges, forward-thinking planning at a LGA scale is crucial. Sandy Bay, located just south of the CBD and adjoining Hobart’s iconic Battery Point, is well positioned to play a role in moving Hobart towards a more sustainable future and respond to current and emerging urban challenges.

The Sandy Bay Structure Plan will provide a pathway forward for the area to grow sustainably, delivering liveable neighbourhoods and supporting the City’s vision for Hobart to be one of the world’s greatest small capital city.

The need for a structure plan for Sandy Bay was identified through the proposed development of the Future Hobart Plan. Furthermore, this is in keeping with City of Hobart’s response to the UTAS Elector Poll, dated 12/12/2022, which brought forward the Structure Plan for Sandy Bay. This recognises the importance of extensive community engagement in future planning and development of Sandy Bay and Mount Nelson.

The Sandy Bay structure plan will include recommendations for policies, development controls and projects to guide planning and sustainable growth. This project also provides the opportunity to collaborate with the community and key stakeholders to develop and deliver on a shared vision.

Hobart – as a capital city

Ultimately, identifying and making the most of all major development opportunities (including sites already owned by UTAS) is about ensuring the continued role of Central Hobart as the heart of a flourishing capital city for all. It is about capturing value and benefits for the community as the city grows and evolves over the next two decades.

AYES

NOES

Lord Mayor Reynolds

Deputy Lord Mayor Burnet

Harvey

Behrakis

Dutta

Sherlock

Kelly

Elliot

Bloomfield

Posselt

Lohberger

11.      Draft Waterworks Reserve Master Plan

Sherlock

Harvey

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 11 of the Open Council Agenda of 24 April 2023, be adopted, amended by the inclusion of the following words to clause 2:

including letters to residents on the Northern border of Waterworks reserve, specifically all South Hobart residents on the southern side of Huon Road.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.         The Draft Waterworks Reserve Master Plan be endorsed for release for 4 weeks public exhibition.

2.         A co-ordinated program of community engagement be progressed to include the local and broader community and key stakeholder groups, including letters to residents on the Northern border of Waterworks reserve, specifically all South Hobart residents on the southern side of Huon Road.

12.      Crowther Reinterpreted - Addendum to Franklin Square Conservation Master Plan

Harvey

Sherlock     

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 12 of the Open Council Agenda of 24 April 2023, be adopted.

Amendment

Elliot

Behrakis                                                                                                                    

That Council pursue conversations with Narryna house, Battery Point as the new location for the bronze Crowther statue.  

AMENDMENT LOST

VOTING RECORD

Note:  Alderman Bloomfield abstained from voting on the amendment.

In accordance with section 28(3) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015, to abstain from voting at a meeting is to vote in the negative and has been recorded accordingly.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That the Council approve the inclusion of the addendum included as Attachment A to item 12 of the Open Council Agenda of 24 April 2023, within the Franklin Square Conservation Plan 2007 (reprint 2012).

13.      Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre - Fees and Charges 2023-24

Harvey

Dutta     

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 13 of the Open Council Agenda of 24 April 2023, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That the schedule of fees and charges for the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre included as Attachment A to item 13 of the Open Council agenda of 24 April 2023, be approved for the 2023-24 financial year.

14.      New Council Policy - Internal Audit Charter

Burnet

Harvey

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 14 of the Open Council Agenda of 24 April 2023, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:

1.      The Council adopt the City of Hobart Internal Audit Charter marked as Attachment A to item 14 of the Open Council Agenda of 24 April 2023.

2.      The Chief Executive Officer be authorised to finalise the City of Hobart Internal Audit Charter and arrange for it to be made available from the City’s website. 

15.      Draft - Public Interests Register Policy

Burnet

Posselt         

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 15 of the Open Council Agenda of 24 April 2023, be adopted.

Amendment

Harvey

Dutta                                                                                                                           

That Council consider the mandatory nature of the Public Interest Register in its next submission to the Tasmanian Government.

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:    1.   The Council adopt the Policy tilted Public Interests Register Policy and marked as Attachment A to item 15 of the Open Council Agenda of 24 April 2023.

3.   That Council consider the mandatory nature of the Public Interest     Register in its next submission to the Tasmanian Government.

16.      Draft - Property Developer Contact Register Policy

Burnet

Sherlock     

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 16 of the Open Council Agenda of 24 April 2023, be adopted.

Amendment

Harvey

Bloomfield                                                                                                              

That the policy be amended to remove the word ‘regularly’ from section 4(a) of the draft policy.

AMENDMENT LOST

VOTING RECORD

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That the Council adopt the Policy tilted Property Developer Contact Register Policy and marked Attachment A to item 16 of the Open Council Agenda of 24 April 2023.

17.      Elected Member Professional Development Process

Burnet

Sherlock     

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 17 of the Open Council Agenda of 24 April 2023, be adopted.

Amendment

Lohberger

Behrakis                                                                                                                    

That:     1. The policy allocation of $5,000 per annum be retained but adjusted by CPI annually. 

2.  The policy be amended to allow Elected members to bring forward their next years funding allocation, should a professional development activity that exceeds the $5,000 policy cap be identified, noting unspent funding allocations cannot be accrued year on year.  

AMENDMENT CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That:   1. The Council adopt an amended Part C of the Elected Member Development and Support Policy, as shown in tracked changes in Attachment A to item 17 of the Open Council Agenda of 24 April 2023, amended by the following:

a)    The policy allocation of $5,000 per annum be retained but adjusted by CPI annually. 

2.  The policy be amended to allow Elected members to bring forward their next years funding allocation, should a professional development activity that exceeds the $5,000 policy cap be identified, noting unspent funding allocations cannot be accrued year on year.  

18.      Submission to Select Committee on Australia's Disaster Resilience

Burnet

Sherlock     

That the recommendation contained the officer report, marked as item 18 of the Open Council Agenda or 24 April 2023, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That the Council endorse the submission, marked as Attachment A to item 18 of the Open Council Agenda of 24 April 2023, to the Senate Select Committee on Australia’s Disaster Resilience.

19.      Submission to the Tasmanian Climate Change Action Plan 2023-25

Burnet

Harvey

That the recommendation contained in the officer report, marked as item 19 of the Open Council Agenda of 24 April 2023, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That Council endorse the submission, marked as Attachment A to item 19 of the Open Council Agenda of 24 April 2023, to Tasmanian’s Draft Climate Change Action Plan 2023-25 Consultation.

20.      Parking Meters in North Hobart

Alderman Zucco and Councillor Kelly

Motion

1.   “That the Hobart City Council remove parking meters in North Hobart.

2.   That the CEO be provided delegated authority to consult with traders as per their parking requirements for the business strip of North Hobart and implement the needs of the restaurant and retail strip.

3.   That parking times be altered to 8am - 6pm in council off street car parks in accordance to the requests of the Traders and consistent with other retail/Restaurant precincts.

4.   That planned digital parking signage for North Hobart be expedited as a high priority.

5.   That these actions are commenced within 30 days and completed within 60 days of this motion.”

Rationale:

“On the 23^rd August 2021 the Council approved the following resolution “That the Hobart City Council immediately suspend the use of parking meters in North Hobart. That the CEO be provided delegated Authority to consult with traders as per their parking requirements for the business strip of North Hobart and implement their needs as a matter of urgency”

The North Hobart traders have been awaiting action in accordance to the resolution “as a matter of urgency” but thus far there request for immediate actions has not eventuated in accordance to the approved resolution 19 months ago.

The traders are now seeking the immediate removal of the Parking meters and action to change the parking times to 6pm nightly similarly to other retail and restaurant precinct.

If a “director” is able to have new parking signage implemented within 7 days, so why is it that no action has occurred in 19 Months? The director at the time changed the signs that involved a “Line” and the word “only” added so if these changes are able to be implemented within a week why is it that no action on the resolution has eventuated.

The implementation of Parking meters in North Hobart has decimated a vast number of businesses in North Hobart with some losing around $5000 per week this is not sustainable and is causing Mental Stress for a vast number of family run small businesses in North Hobart.

How would any elected members or Senior HCC management feel if they were subjected to such losses.

Traders have expressed their concerns with a recent Petition in particular, affected traders were not consulted.

I have personally spoken to a vast number of traders who are frustrated and concerned that they were not consulted and the extent of their business losses over the past months.

The HCC is causing unnecessary loss of trade and mentally distressing traders who have suffered over the past period and the time has come for their requests to be adhered to.

The Council has an obligation to immediately remove this unwanted impost on traders and furthermore NO OTHER small business prescient is being subjected to this type of big brother policy. There are NO Meters in South Hobart, Sandy Bay, Lower Sandy Bay, Lenah Valley or New Town. This is unjust.

Irrespective of any proposed “prescient plan” the traders in the North Hobart strip seek immediate action as no matter what the overall outcome maybe for the North Hobart Prescient” The traders are seeking immediate action on the above as that is “their” needs as traders and ratepayers of the strip.

To simply use the prescient plans in General as any “excuse” there has been a number of “parklet style” developments implemented by Council in very recent times so the needs of Traders in those areas have been actioned but the needs of the North Hobart Traders have not been actioned in accordance to the August 23^rd 2021 resolution. The First step is to remove these unwanted meters and work with those affected to move forward with solutions.”

Kelly

Behrakis                                                                

That the motion be adopted with the inclusion of an additional clause 6 that reads as follows:

6. Existing parking meter sites be considered for a trial of two electric vehicle chargers on Elizabeth Street North Hobart and for associated data to be fed into both the parking strategy and EV strategy for the purpose of informing future strategic decisions.

Posselt

Sherlock                                                                                                                  

That Alderman Behrakis be granted an additional one minute to address the meeting.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Procedural Motion

Sherlock

Burnet                                                                                                                        

That clauses 2 to 6 be deferred to a Council workshop.

PROCEDURAL MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

The Lord Mayor then put clause 1 of the motion.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That the Council remove parking meters in North Hobart.

21.      Security Cameras in North Hobart

Councillor Elliot

Motion

“That a report be provided

1.   That the Hobart City Council require officers to:

·    arrange for the urgent installation of security cameras on the traffic lights at the intersection of Elizabeth and Pitt Street, North Hobart

·    develop and implement an action plan to ensure that the entirety of Elizabeth Street from Tasma Street to Federal Street and the entirety of the Condell Place carpark, Tony Haigh Walk and Burnett Place are covered with security cameras

·    meet with North Hobart Traders within 14 days to hear their security concerns and to agree on practical actions to alleviate security issues in their precinct in addition to the above and

·    provide a detailed report to Council within 90 days on the actions taken and planned related to security in the North Hobart precinct.

2.   That the Hobart City Council require officers to:

·    develop and implement a grant program for North Hobart and CBD traders that assists them with the financial burden of installing and managing of security cameras for the exterior of their premises on the condition that the exterior footage captured is to be kept for at least 30 days and that when the footage is requested by Tasmania Police or the City of Hobart that it is to be provided in a timely manner

·    undertake an audit of security camera and security lighting coverage across public areas of the CBD and other crime hotspot areas and provide a report back to Council with recommendations and

·    ensure that the City’s security camera network is at all times managed to provide maximum benefit.”

Rationale:

“It is a well-known that there has been some very serious issues raised by traders in the CBD and other precincts in Hobart over the past years and that illegal and anti-social behaviour is escalating. These issues include property damage, thefts, assaults and devastatingly, murder.

There are traders and staff that fear walking to their cars after work which is unacceptable. Several elected members have recently met with traders and seen first hand footage of the serious nature of security issues in our city. It is imperative that the City Council play its role in ensuring that not only our traders are safe but so are the general public.

The Council has a responsibility to support the community’s safety. It is time that the City embarked on upgrades and new installations to the City’s security systems and also consider working with Tasmania Police on a far more effective monitoring system similar to the City of Melbourne.

This issue has been previously raised without any real action and its time that this matter was prioritised with a defined timeline.”

Elliot

Behrakis                                                                 That the motion be adopted.

MOTION LOST

VOTING RECORD

Motion without Notice

Posselt

Bloomfield                                                                                                              

That:

1.    Council officers supply an anticipated schedule of works for the planned installation of CCTV along Elizabeth Street, North Hobart at the next Council meeting.

2.    Council officers prepare a report considering staffing enhancements to the Safe City Hub to aid in preservation of law, order and amenity in the municipality.

MOTION LOST

VOTING RECORD

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

The motion was lost.

22.      An Indigenous Voice to Parliament

Lord Mayor Councillor Reynolds

Motion

“That the Council:

1.1.    Re-affirms the City of Hobart’s commitment to truth-telling, reconciliation and standing with Aboriginal people in matters of significance, as embodied in its ‘Aboriginal Commitment and Action Plan’;

1.2.    Recognises that Australia has formally endorsed the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which includes the collective right to self-determination;

1.3.    Notes the Commonwealth Government’s commitment to; the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full, including Voice, Treaty and Truth, and to a referendum on enshrining a Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution;

1.4.    Acknowledges that there is a diversity of opinions inside and outside Aboriginal communities, in Hobart and across the state and country, on the significance and implementation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament; and

1.5.    Supports the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart, and the ‘yes’ campaign for the Constitutional Recognition of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.”

Rationale:

“The 2007 UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which Australia has endorsed in full ¹, states in part:

“Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination. (art. 3)

“Indigenous peoples have the right to participate in decision-making in matters which would affect their rights, through representations chosen by themselves in accordance with their own procedures…..(art. 18)

“States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the indigenous peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that may affect them ” (art.  19) ²

In May 2017, over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates from across Australia gathered at Mutitjulu near Uluru.  Together, they developed and released the Uluru Statement from the Heart.  The 1-page statement is addressed to the Australian people, inviting us all to create a better nation via 3 key proposals:

1.    a constitutionally enshrined ‘Voice’; and a Makarrata Commission ³ to supervise:

2.    a process of agreement-making between governments (aka a treaty or treaties); and

3.    truth-telling about our history.

The Uluru Statement is found at Attachment A. This can also be heard read by Prof. Megan Davis online: https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement/

In May 2022, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese began his victory speech on election night by acknowledging Country and committing to the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full ⁴.  At the Garma Festival in July that year, he announced there would be a referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to parliament, while re-affirming his government’s “promise to implement the Statement from the Heart at Uluru, in full “⁵.

Seven delegates to the 2017 Uluru convention did not agree with the final wording of the Statement. ⁶ As with any issue and any community, there is not a single united position within the Aboriginal community on the referendum.

An IPSOS poll conducted in late January 2023 found that 80% of First Nations people supported the Voice, with three-quarters of respondents ‘very sure’ about their decision. One in 10 were undecided, while the remaining 10% were opposed. ^7”

[1] Australian Human Rights Commission, ‘United we stand – Support for United Nations Indigenous Rights Declaration a watershed moment for Australia’, media release (Sydney, 3 April 2009)

<https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/2009-media-release-united-we-stand-support-united-nations-indigenous>.

2 UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP, 2007) <www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf>.

3 Makarrata is a complex Yolngu word from north-east Arnhem Land describing ‘a process of conflict resolution, peacemaking and justice’. The Uluru Statement defines it as ‘the coming together after a struggle.’

4 ‘Read incoming prime minister Anthony Albanese's full speech after Labor wins federal election’, ABC News (22 May 2022) <https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-22/anthony-albanese-acceptance-speech-full-transcript/101088736>

5 C. Graham, ‘Transcript: Anthony Albanese’s Speech to Garma re Voice to Parliament,’ New Matilda (30 July 2022) <https://newmatilda.com/2022/07/31/transcript-anthony-albaneses-speech-to-garma-re-voice-to-parliament-july-30-2022/>

6 C. Wahlquist, ‘Uluru talks: delegates walk out due to sovereignty and treaty fears’, The Guardian (25 May 2017)

7 J. Attanasio, ‘Majority support for Indigenous Voice to Parliament, poll claims, as PM pushes referendum after protests’, Nine News (27 January 2023)  

Reynolds

Sherlock                                                               That the motion be adopted.

Posselt

Sherlock                                                                                                                  

That Councillor Dutta be provided with an additional one minute to address the meeting.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Procedural Motion

Kelly

Behrakis                                                                   That the matter be deferred.

PROCEDURAL MOTION LOST

VOTING RECORD

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

Note:  Alderman Behrakis and Councillors Kelly and Elliot abstained from voting on the motion.

In accordance with section 28(3) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015, to abstain from voting at a meeting is to vote in the negative and has been recorded accordingly.

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

That the Council:

1.             Re-affirms the City of Hobart’s commitment to truth-telling, reconciliation and standing with Aboriginal people in matters of significance, as embodied in its ‘Aboriginal Commitment and Action Plan’;

2.      Recognises that Australia has formally endorsed the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which includes the collective right to self-determination;

3.       Notes the Commonwealth Government’s commitment to; the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full, including Voice, Treaty and Truth, and to a referendum on enshrining a Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution;

4.       Acknowledges that there is a diversity of opinions inside and outside Aboriginal communities, in Hobart and across the state and country, on the significance and implementation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament; and

5.       Supports the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart, and the ‘yes’ campaign for the Constitutional Recognition of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.

No questions were asked.