Creating a safe city

Community safety

The City of Hobart is committed to community safety, working across urban planning, public space management, and by-law enforcement.

We collaborate with police, security services, and community groups to implement crime prevention strategies, such as CCTV surveillance, City-led events, and thoughtful urban design.

By addressing crime and social issues from multiple angles, we strive to make Hobart a safer, more connected community, enhancing the quality of life for everyone.

Situational and environmental design

The City of Hobart uses Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) to enhance public safety. By incorporating strategies like natural surveillance, territorial reinforcement, and access control in the planning and design of spaces, we can deter criminal behaviour.

Natural surveillance improves visibility, making it easier to spot and deter offenders. Territorial reinforcement fosters community ownership, reducing vandalism and crime, while access control clearly defines entry points, preventing unauthorised access. Well-lit and well-maintained spaces further reduce the fear of crime and encourage community use.

The Safe City program, including public safety cameras, reflects CPTED principles, creating safer, more welcoming spaces for everyone.

Community events and programs

Community events organised by the City of Hobart play a crucial role in enhancing public safety. These gatherings bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and vigilance that can deter crime. They also provide a platform to educate the public on safety protocols and emergency preparedness, strengthening the community's resilience.

The City's community programs are key to creating a safer, more inclusive environment. Addressing issues like respect, health, homelessness, domestic violence, and youth offending, these initiatives provide vital support and prevention. Programs promoting respect reduce conflict, while efforts to combat homelessness and domestic violence offer stability and protection to those in need. Health immunisation programs ensure our children's well-being, and youth-focused initiatives steer young people towards positive paths.

Together, these events and programs build a foundation for long-term community safety, reflecting the City of Hobart's commitment to care, support, and opportunity for all residents.

Working in partnership

The safety and well-being of modern communities rely on strong partnerships.

The City of Hobart collaborate with councils, community organisations, law enforcement, emergency personnel, businesses, and government bodies. These partnerships offer a comprehensive view of safety, ensuring that policies are inclusive and effective.

By sharing resources and expertise, they create a proactive environment where risks are addressed before they escalate. This shared responsibility empowers all community members to contribute to collective safety, enhancing emergency response and strengthening the social fabric. Hobart stands as a model for building a resilient and secure community through unity and cooperation.

Public lighting

Public lighting is a vital function of maintaining a safe a secure city.

The City of Hobart's public lighting aims to:

  • provide a service to the entire Council area by allowing safe and secure access and enjoyment of the city and its amenities.
  • improve road safety and enhance visual amenity at night whilst minimising negative effects on the environment.
  • make people feel safer at night and may be a deterrent to antisocial behaviour and certain types of criminal activities after dark.
  • make an important contribution to mobility, social well-being, placemaking, tourism and the overall economy of the community.
  • increase lighting efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.

If you have a request for modified or new streetlights, or would like to report a streetlight that is not working, please visit the street lighting page.

Emergency management

The City of Hobart prides itself on being able to effectively manage emergencies.

Emergency management is crucial for the safety and resilience of communities, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters or other crises.

In the City of Hobart, a comprehensive approach to emergency management leads to a safer community by ensuring preparedness, timely response, and efficient recovery. By identifying potential hazards, training emergency personnel, and educating the public, the city can mitigate the risks and impact of emergencies.

Emergency management

Collaborative planning and resource allocation enable a coordinated response that minimises chaos and maximises safety during an event. Furthermore, effective recovery efforts help restore normalcy and provide support to affected individuals, thereby strengthening community bonds and trust in local governance. Ultimately, robust emergency management fosters a culture of safety, vigilance, and community engagement.