The Hobart City Council planning committee is set to make a final decision on the removal of the controversial statue of former Premier William Crowther tonight.
The removal of the heritage-listed statue has received a recommendation for approval from the council’s planning expert, following the Tasmanian Heritage Council’s endorsement of its removal last week.
The Heritage Council’s approval comes with conditions to minimise the impact of the statue’s removal on the historic significance of Franklin Square.
In its deliberation, Heritage Council Chair Brett Torossi said they have applied several conditions relating to the removal and storage of the statue, as well as the conservation and maintenance of the plinth that remains.
“The conditions provide protections for the 1889 statue and the remaining heritage fabric of Franklin Square,” he said.
There have been growing calls to remove the state in recent years, after Crowther’s history came to light.
In 1869, William Crowther was suspended from medical practice over charges of mutilating the remains of Aboriginal man William Lanne by removing his skull.
The Hobart City Council planning committee’s approval is the final step needed for the statue’s removal and it is likely to be granted as five of the current elected members had voted for the statue’s removal previously.
The decision has faced criticism from those who believe the statue should stay due to its historical significance and community sentiment.
The planning meeting is scheduled for 5:00pm in the Hobart Town Hall Council Chamber.
