Battery Point Walkway
The Chief Executive Officer will request the relevant Crown licences covering public land along the proposed Battery Point Walkway route to help inform future consideration of the project. Councillors have requested to receive copies of the licences and detailed advice on their terms, including provisions relating to public access, compliance and termination where a public purpose or public interest case exists, at a future workshop prior to any further decision regarding the future of the Battery Point Walkway. This follows extensive investigations, independent review, community engagement, legal and planning assessments, and cost analysis, which reaffirmed the strong public interest rationale for the project. Community polling indicated around 90 per cent support for improving active transport connectivity between Hobart and Sandy Bay.
Multi-Year City Partnerships
Investing in Hobart's signature events and strategic partnerships will provide greater certainty for organisers while continuing to deliver strong economic, tourism and community benefits for the city. Multi-year City Partnership agreements with Business Events Tasmania, the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, Hobart International, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the Kunanyi Mountain Run will support long-term planning, attract visitors and strengthen Hobart's reputation as a premier events destination. Together, these organisations generated an estimated $248 million in economic activity during 2025-26 for a $510,000 cash investment and $1 million in-kind support - a cash return of 486:1. The agreements recognise their significant contribution to Hobart's economy, culture and civic life while ensuring ongoing public value from Council's investment.
Fee Waivers - Community-based Homelessness & Social Support Groups 2026-27
Continuing support for Hobart's most vulnerable community members will help ensure essential grassroots services can keep providing food, connection and practical assistance to those experiencing homelessness, housing stress and cost-of-living pressures. Through fee waivers for the use of Mathers and Criterion House, the City will support five community-led organisations: Dining with Friends, Food Not Bombs, Love Hobart, Mutual Aid Kitchen and Pets in the Park. The assistance recognises the important role these groups play in delivering frontline support and fostering community wellbeing. The initiative builds on support provided since 2018 and aligns with Hobart - A City for All Action Plan 2023-26.
City of Hobart Health and Wellbeing Strategy
Improving the health and wellbeing of Hobart residents will be a key focus of the City's long-term planning, with a new strategic framework identifying healthy ageing and mental health as priority areas for action. Responding to both emerging community needs and new legislative requirements, the framework adopts a place-based, person-centred approach that encourages people to take positive steps towards their own wellbeing while strengthening connections to local services and support. Central to the strategy is an aspiration for Hobart to become Australia's first Blue Zone - a place intentionally designed to help people live longer, healthier and happier lives. The strategy will build on the work already being delivered across the city, partnering with specialist organisations to promote healthier lifestyles, support positive ageing outcomes and improve overall community wellbeing for current and future generations.
ACCC proposed consultation on Airservices Australia Charge increases Notice of Motion - Cr Will Coats
Advocating for affordable and accessible air travel will be a key priority as the City prepares a submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on proposed increases to national aviation charges. The submission will highlight Tasmania's unique reliance on air travel and the potential impact of higher aviation costs on residents, visitors and businesses. Concerns include the effect on airfares, tourism, major events and the state's economic competitiveness, particularly where Tasmanian travellers may contribute to infrastructure investments delivering greater benefits elsewhere in Australia. The City will work with industry, government and local stakeholders to present a strong, coordinated case on behalf of Tasmania.
PlanBuild Notice of Motion - Cr Louise Elliot
Calling for urgent improvements to Tasmania's planning portal will form part of the City's ongoing advocacy to reduce barriers to development and improve customer experience. The City will formally raise concerns with the State Government that the PlanBuild system remains difficult to use, continues to generate significant frustration for applicants and professionals, and is placing additional demands on both users and council staff. The correspondence will seek recognition of the system's ongoing shortcomings and request that user fees be waived until there is mutual agreement that PlanBuild is operating as a fit-for-purpose platform that supports efficient, accessible and cost-effective planning and development processes.
