Dog Management Policy Review
The review of proposed changes to declared dog areas is now complete. Of the 272 public submissions, most related to South Hobart Oval, with a slight majority (54%) supporting the recommended dog restrictions. After reviewing all feedback, no new information was identified that required further changes. Key updates include restricting dogs at South Hobart Oval from 1 July 2026, aligning settings with Wellington Park, keeping current rules at John Doggett Park, restricting dogs from booked sportsgrounds, allowing dogs on lead near the Cenotaph, maintaining evening off lead access at Nutgrove Beach during daylight savings, and clarifying rules at Knocklofty. The updated areas will be formally declared and take effect 20 business days after publication.
Hobart Inner City Housing Supply Incentive
A new five-year, 100% rates remission and potential refunds of development application fees will support new housing development in central Hobart, North Hobart and the waterfront. The incentive aims to reduce upfront costs and encourage multi dwelling projects and upper floor conversions. The initiative will be supported by continued work with TasWater and the Tasmanian Government. Clear criteria and monitoring will guide implementation.
Proposed Safe City Liaison Program
A three-year Safe City Liaison Program will be created to provide a more visible and proactive safety presence in the CBD. Tasmania Police, businesses and community groups have called for a more visible and coordinated City of Hobart presence to help keep public spaces safe. Three existing roles will be reshaped to form an on-street team that works alongside police, CCTV and security services. City of Hobart staff will focus on early engagement, helping vulnerable people and supporting local businesses. The City will conduct regular reviews of the trial and report back to Council. A full end-of-trial evaluation will return to Council to guide future direction.
Proposed Relocation of Farm Gate Market
Liverpool Street (between Murray and Harrington Streets) has been identified as the preferred new site for the Farm Gate Market. The assessment considered wind risks, practicality, and infrastructure needs, with Liverpool Street emerging as the best option if the market moves from Bathurst Street. Council will also consult with nearby property owners and occupiers and consider community feedback and mitigation options before finalising the proposal.
Dark Mofo 2026-22028 City Partnership Proposal
Hobart City Council has endorsed a three‑year City Partnership Agreement with DarkLab to support Dark Mofo in 2026, 2027 and 2028. The agreement provides $200,000 per year in cash sponsorship, indexed to CPI, along with in‑kind support to an annual upper limit of $440,656, supporting festival delivery and the City of Hobart Winter Feast Community Day, including naming rights. Dark Mofo delivers significant economic benefits for Hobart, with the 2025 festival generating around $31 million for the city. The multi‑year partnership provides certainty for long‑term planning while strengthening Hobart's cultural identity and winter visitation.
Open Space Strategy
The Open Space Strategy 2026-36 has been adopted following strong community support. The engagement process resulted in some refinements to the document, including two new actions and recommendations from Tasmanian Aboriginal community consultation - working with the Aboriginal community to progress an Aboriginal cultural centre and increase the presence of Palawa Kani words/ language and recognition in open spaces signage. The City of Hobart's Open Space Strategy sets clear priorities to protect and improve parks, reserves and bushland, ensuring they remain accessible, inclusive and valuable for community wellbeing as the city grows. Forty-six actions will guide delivery over the next decade. Practical actions include developing a dementia friendly sensory garden in one of our parks and improving lighting in open space travel corridors to enhance safety for all users.
Creative City Strategy
The Creative City Strategy provides a ten‑year framework for how Council will support Hobart's artists, creative industries and cultural life. It commits the Council to be a champion for creativity and make long-term sustainable investments in creative infrastructure. The strategy says the City will deliver more visible and accessible cultural activity across the city - from family‑friendly events and creative play in neighbourhood parks, to better use of under‑utilised spaces for live music, exhibitions and pop‑up performances. It will also strengthen Hobart's identity as a UNESCO City of Literature.
Alliance for Gambling Reform - Leadership Council Program Notice of Motion - Cr Zelinda Sherlock
Council will join the Alliance for Gambling Reform's Leadership Council Program, becoming the first Tasmanian council to do so. Participation will support local efforts to reduce gambling harm and provide access to expert advice, lived experience perspectives and collaboration with councils nationwide. The CEO will finalise program arrangements.
