Unlocking underutilised land, reducing financial barriers, and piloting medium-density housing projects have been identified as key strategies to tackling Hobart’s housing crisis.
The Hobart Housing Forum brought together more than 80 experts from across the housing sector, including government representatives, community organisations and developers, in December 2024.
The findings from the in-depth discussions on housing affordability and supply challenges which took place at the event were released in the Hobart Housing Forum Engagement Report in late February.
City of Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the findings underscored the need for urgent action and collaboration between all levels of government and industry stakeholders.
“Everyone in the room acknowledged that Hobart has a housing affordability crisis but there's a huge number of factors causing this," Cr Reynolds said.
"The cost of getting building materials to our island state is one major reason for development costs being higher here than on the mainland.
“While the forum identified issues that have been raised before, it was good to see some fresh new ideas from around the country presented and discussed."
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds says the findings underscore the need for action.
Forum delivers insightful findings
The forum’s engagement report highlights several key priorities:
More than 80 experts from across the housing sector took part in the Housing Forum last year.
Scott Balmforth, Infrastructure Tasmania's Strategic Architectural and Urban Design Advisor, said the forum showed that a "holistic approach to housing" is needed now and in the future.
"We heard there is currently land available within Greater Hobart and willing existing and new housing providers, but the economic conditions to deliver infill medium density housing is the primary challenge," Mr Balmforth said.
"It was interesting to hear of the concern towards a declining construction industry workforce, meaning we need to build up young people entering the industry now to be able to meet the future supply of housing."
City of Hobart's Manager Place Design, Sport and Recreation Philip Holliday and Strategic Planner Joanne Hickman with the findings.
Next steps as City plans vital strategy
Insights from the forum will directly inform the development of the City of Hobart’s new Housing Strategy, which will outline concrete actions to improve housing accessibility and affordability.
Joanne Hickman, a strategic planner with the City of Hobart, said the forum was an important step towards shaping future policies.
“The council remains committed to addressing the housing challenges facing our community and will use the findings from the forum, along with further research and stakeholder engagement, to develop a housing strategy," Ms Hickman said.
"This strategy will provide information on the current situation regarding housing in Hobart and identify ideas which will then be developed into actions that the council can deliver ... to facilitate an increase in housing supply."
The City of Hobart will continue to engage with industry experts and the community as it refines the Housing Strategy, which is expected to be released for public consultation in late 2025.