Anna’s ideas and policies – CITY ECONOMY
The most recent Council term (2018–2022) saw us govern through a time of significant challenge for our city’s economy and the Council’s budget. The pandemic saw shocks and stresses including:
A drop in Hobart’s Gross Regional Product of 11.5% and an estimated 5,149 jobs were lost (approximately 8% of total city jobs)
A drop in Council revenue saw a deficit of over $9 million in 2019/20. This was due to facility closures and the provision of millions of dollars’ worth of relief to help the community through COVID. Our budget was also hit by our staff not being supported by JobKeeper subsidies.
The unexpected financial impact of repairing damage from an extreme flooding event in mid-2018 which cost the city $14.8 million out of our capital works budget.
Despite the challenges faced by the pandemic we end this term in a healthy position due to prudent financial management and our support for economic activity in the city. Some of the highlights are:
Rates have been kept low, despite spiralling inflation and CPI
o 2020/21 – 0%
o 2021/22 – 2.73% increase
o 2022 – 2.27% increase
We recovered from COVID with a small $25,000 deficit in 2020/21 and a forecast surplus of $530,000 for 2022/23.
In the last term I worked to assist the Council bottom line with steps such as:
o negotiating with the State Government to transition the Taste of Tasmania to a funding model that saved Hobart ratepayers over $1 million a year
o pushing for UTAS to pay commercial rates on their CBD properties, adding approximately $3.8 million to the Council budget over the next few years
The City’s economy has bounced back and has healthy economic indicators including:
In 2020/21, jobs in Hobart City made up 25% of Tasmania’s employment
12.4% growth of Hobart’s economy since 2019
$1.2 billion worth of development applications has been approved since 2018
the small businesses registered in the City of Hobart have grown from 6,251 in 2019 to 6,747 in 2021.
If elected in October 2022, I would use the next four years to build on this work.
I will continue to provide sensible budget management, fair rate changes linked to CPI and advocacy to attract grants and investment in the city.
I would also promote new ideas and policies, including:
I will continue to advocate to grow Hobart’s ‘knowledge economy’ - the future economic health of our city lies in attracting more jobs focused around science, research, innovation and sustainability. We are uniquely placed as an Antarctic Gateway city with a reputation for science and green-tech to increase the number of professional jobs in the city.
Work to transition parts of the city currently full of car-yards into an area with 5,000 well-designed and sustainable homes over the next 20 years. We can do this by proactively working with planning rules and incentives to transform under-utilised areas of the CBD. Converting car yards and warehouses into well-designed mixed use areas, with medium-density residential and other commercial spaces, will add to the liveability and rate base of the city.
I’ll ensure that we’re reporting and acting on accurate and timely economic data and community feedback with a commitment to the production of an Annual “State of the City” report and an Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Work with business, government, community organisations and all economic actors in the City to help us meet an emissions target of net zero by 2030 . This target has the potential to deliver energy and fuel cost savings, federal government grants and investment in new jobs and industries.
Grow our reputation as a sustainable visitor destination by:
supporting the tourism industry’s calls to ban mega-cruise ships and limit the daily cruise arrival numbers coming to Hobart
finalising a visitor strategy for kunanyi and work to attract funding for the Halls Saddle Visitor Hub, electric shuttle buses to the Pinnacle, Aboriginal rangers
exploring options for a multi-day Hobart to Huon Valley walk
As part of the Greater Hobart Plan and our CBD Plan (work that’s happened in last few years), it’s clear we need a transparent and consistent approach to development contributions in Tasmania. Contributions to local infrastructure are an accepted part of the development process in most Australian states. Getting this policy sorted with the state government will make a positive difference to our city’s economy.
Support for small businesses and creative industry organisations to thrive and innovate by advocating:
to increase our Business, Creative and Events Grants programs and ensuring the programs stay relevant and useful,
for external or Council funding for a ‘Business Energy Saver’ program to assist Hobart business to become more energy efficient to reduce costs,
to establish a 7 days a week, extended hours ‘Business Hotline’ as a one-stop-shop for businesses of all sizes seeking information and advice on Council services.
Support for people living on lower incomes in our city by:
re-focusing current state-wide pensioner parking discounts to provide more parking and public transport concessions for senior citizens and disability pensioners who live in the City of Hobart.
continuing efforts to regulate the high growth of visitor accommodation and the impact that its having on rents and the long-term rental market.
Supporting our CBD as the state’s premier hub for business, services, retail, culture and entertainment
in consultation with city based businesses and organisations, develop a new model for City promotions and economic development, based on Launceston’s CityProm and Adelaide’s Economic Development Agency,
advocate for the expanded utilisation of City of Hobart owned carparks so they’re open more hours of the week, including the 24 hour operation of the Argyle Street carpark,
advocate for a boost to public transport services, pending the report on my motion to investigate a city shuttle or on-demand bus services – see https://www.annareynolds.net/work/exploring-bus-innovations
continue to invest in events and festivals and ensure Hobart Council is an active partner in making great events happen,
work to see a refurbishment and re-imagining of City Hall and the Treasury Buildings as places that can be more accessible to the community and and used in part for culture and events,
advocate for an expanded outdoor dining and city greening program that will see Council work proactively with Hobart businesses to create new spaces to grow their customer base.