FAQs
What is the Hobart Climate Assembly?
The Hobart Climate Assembly is an important part of developing a new Climate Strategy.
This Strategy will guide what the Council and community can do to respond to the global climate and biodiversity emergency by outlining priorities and solutions to reach our goal of being a climate ready Hobart.
The Hobart Climate Assembly will be made up of 30 people (including yourself) representing the diversity of the Hobart community.
The Assembly will work together over two weekends to identify solutions that reflect the community’s priorities.
To do this they will hear from climate experts, leaders and other community members.
The process will be independently facilitated, and the Assembly’s recommendations will be provided to the Council’s Elected Members to inform the final Climate Strategy.
Why is the City running an Assembly?
We want Hobart to be climate ready.
We’ve led action in this area for a long time, but we want to involve the community more in planning how we can respond to climate change together.
We want to hear from everyday people who might not usually get a chance to share their thoughts.
The Hobart Climate Assembly will bring together a diverse group of people with different backgrounds and beliefs about climate change. This will allow us to listen and learn from different perspectives.
The Assembly will help us figure out a vision for a climate-ready Hobart, what the community sees as the most important things to focus on are, make recommendations on how to use our resources wisely, and to make a strong case for taking action.
Ultimately we want to make sure we have the best ideas to make a positive impact on climate change.
Is there parking available at the venue?
Yes, there is free parking available at the venue.
The Sustainability Learning Centre is on the Hobart College Campus, Mount Nelson. It is located at 50 Olinda Grove, Mount Nelson. There is plenty of free parking at the campus.
You can get to Mount Nelson from Hobart city either via the Southern Outlet, Proctors Road, or Mount Nelson Rd (“the Bends”).
Once at 50 Olinda Grove, turn into the Hobart College driveway. Follow the signs to the Sustainability Learning Centre. On the morning of the event, we will also have Hobart Climate Assembly signs directing you where to go. These will show where you can park, and where additional overflow parking is also available. Parking is free.
Can I take public transport to the venue?
Yes, there are public transport options to the venue.
You can reach the Sustainability Learning Centre by Hobart Metro bus. The Sustainability Learning Centre is at the Hobart College. On Saturdays and Sundays, bus 457 travels to Mount Nelson.
Bus 457 will drop you at the Mount Nelson store (stop 25, 465 Nelson Road). It is then a 15 minute walk to the Sustainability Learning Centre.
One of our team will be happy to collect you from the Mount Nelson Store.
As outlined above, if you are travelling by bus, and would like to be collected from the Mount Nelson Store, please contact Jess Grace-Conroy before Wednesday 14 February to arrange a pick-up. Jess can be reached on jessica.graceconroy@hobartcity.com.au or 0484 027 482.
What happens if I can't attend all of the sessions?
Attending all sessions is a key requirement of Assembly members, and we’re pleased that all members have confirmed they will be able to attend all of the days and sessions. This makes sure that everyone in the Assembly has the same information and is able to contribute equally to the process.
I don't know much about climate change. Am I the right person for this?
It’s absolutely fine (and expected) not to know everything about climate change. You don’t need to be an expert to be a valuable Climate Assembly member.
The great thing about the Climate Assembly is that it’s made up of people from different backgrounds and levels of knowledge.
Your unique perspective and questions are really important. This Assembly is about bringing together a diverse group of people, each with their own experiences and thoughts.
Your input is valuable, and we’re all here to learn and share ideas together.
What work has the City done so far?
We have taken part in a year-long effort to gather information and are now in the process of developing a new Climate Strategy for Hobart.
We have talked to lots of people in the city to get different opinions and ideas (through activities like a survey and conversation pop ups) around the city. We have also run co-design meetings with specific groups of people who care a lot about specific items related to climate change.
By working together with the community and letting the Assembly help identify priorities, we hope to create a sense of ownership and shared responsibility in the city. This means that everyone in the community feels a part of the new Climate Strategy.
What is the Climate Assembly being asked to do?
The Assembly will respond to the following overarching remit:
FIRST WEEKEND REMIT
Focus: What advice do you have to help develop Hobart’s Climate Strategy?
● How ambitious should the community and Council be in addressing climate change?
● What elements are most important to the community?
SECOND WEEKEND REMIT
Focus: What action is required to achieve the vision?
● How should Council best allocate their resources to implement the plan?
● Which elements are most important and which should be acted up within three years?
● What role can the community play to implement actions and how might a fund for community initiatives be spent?
All members will be provided with the relevant information needed to respond to this remit guided by facilitators over the course of the process.
How can I contribute or help?
As a Climate Assembly member, you can contribute in several ways. Here are some tips:
● Share Your Perspective: Speak openly about your thoughts, experiences, and concerns related to climate change. Your unique viewpoint is valuable in representing the community.
● Be Open to Learning Something New: Learn as much as you can from each presenter and the information provided.
● Ask Questions: Be curious and don’t hesitate to ask questions if there’s something you don’t understand. Your curiosity can lead to a better understanding for everyone involved.
● Engage in the Task and Discussions: Stay focused on the remit and task at hand and participate actively in discussions during the Assembly.
● Agree to Respect and Acknowledge Each Other: Listen to others, express your opinions, and be open to different viewpoints.
● Raise Your Needs: If you have any questions or concerns, raise them with your facilitators.
How will the days and sessions run?
The days and sessions will be facilitated by two experienced facilitators - Max Hardy and Rikki Mawad who will lead the Assembly through a structured format.
Each day will have a different purpose and objective, and each session will vary. There will be a mix of activities, from information sharing and gathering with experts and specialists to interactive group discussions and prioritisation of ideas.
What if I need support to participate?
Our independent recruiter Deliberately Engaging will be in touch with you ahead of the Assembly to find out about any support you may need to participate.
If you need any additional support at any point during the Assembly, please don’t hesitate to raise it with one of the facilitators, or the City team members and they will organise this for you.
How will I be paid for my time and contribute to the process?
Participants who attend all of the sessions will be provided a $350 payment. Your payment will be made by bank transfer by Deliberately Engaging at the end of the process.
If you have any questions about the Assembly, including any support you may need you can also contact Nivek Thompson at Deliberately Engaging on +61 412 544 672.