07/08/2026, 22:07

On Monday night of last week, the council unanimously voted to overturn its decision to fence Lower Wellesley. This victory resulted from several factors: the compelling deputations made by Amanda Sinclair at numerous council meetings and workshops; a report prepared by myself and Amanda; the council's online "Your Say" information gathering process; the recent Sweet Beats on My Street event (which highlighted Lower Wellesley's value as a large community gathering space); and the direct conversations and correspondence many residents had with councillors. Furthermore, the council's own officer report supported the findings of our report.

I extend my gratitude to all of you for signing and commenting. I believe this platform allowed our community to voice frustrations that more formal avenues did not accommodate. Despite this victory, several issues persist, including:

(1) the council's community consultation process;

(2) the council's restrictive and outdated petition requirements; and

(3) the council's decision-making process regarding the use and development of South Hobart's public spaces.

If you are interested in a public meeting to address some of these issues, please consider signing an existing petition that has been active since the beginning of the year, but will close soon: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf29TUTgkVryNK0gobzT7AA8GVDjE6BQG78cFaYq36hIDYrWA/viewform?pli=1&fbzx=-5282364499040217723

I look forward to seeing many of you enjoy our beautiful park for picnics, parties, playdates, yoga, frisbee, dog walking, community events, or simply appreciating the unfenced views :-)

Lucy

06/10/2026, 19:50

We are closing the petition early to submit to council for consideration at their next meeting on June 29.


New deadline: 06/11/2026
Signatures at the time of the change: 276

06/05/2026, 23:23

Hey everyone,

Just a brief update to let you know that Amanda Sinclair and several other South Hobart residents met with councillors this week to present deputations at a workshop on the proposed fenced area at Lower Wellesley. These deputations shared community perspectives and concerns about the proposal. 

The workshop considered the number of signature and comments from this petition and the street party scheduled to be hosted at this site on June 28, and feedback received from the Hobart 'Your Say' data regarding the proposed Lower Wellesley Dog Exercise Area. As a result, councillors are now seriously reconsidering the fencing proposal. 

We are hoping a decision to pause and reassess the fenced area at Lower Wellesley will be made at the next council meeting. Consequently, we will be closing the petition on June 11th so we can submit it before that meeting.

 If you know of anyone who might support our campaign to save Lower Wellesley, but hasn't signed on yet, please let them know. Thanks again, everyone! So many residents and friends who share our love of this park have helped us with this campaign. What a wonderful show of community activism. 

Cheers,
Lucy