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(2) the council's restrictive and outdated petition requirements; and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