Hobart’s controversial William Crowther statue will be taken down by the council and put into storage.
The removal was approved tonight after extensive consultation, with most council members supporting the decision despite some criticism and accusations of racism.
The bronze part of the statue will be removed in the coming weeks, however the plinth will remain in its current position and temporary signage installed until a permanent solution is found.
The statue has long been criticised for commemorating Crowther, a former premier who decapitated the remains of an Aboriginal man, stole his skull, and sent it to London.
The removal of the statue was initially voted for over a year ago by the Hobart City Council following a year-long consultation project.
Last week the Tasmanian Heritage Council endorsed its removal with conditions to minimise the impact on the historic significance of Franklin Square.
The Council are yet to decide on a permanent home for the statue, but it is believed it will be placed somewhere that will remain accessible to the public.
The decision was supported by most council members, who argued that cultural significance is a changing thing and that structures can be destroyed without erasing memories or history.
Ryan Posselt, Zelinda Sherlock, Anna Reynolds, Mike Dutta, Louise Bloomfield, Ben Lohberger, Bill Harvey and Helen Burnet voted in favour of the removal, while Simon Behrakis and John Kelly opposed the eviction.
Louise Elliot was absent from the vote and Marti Zucco was absent from the meeting.
