Have a say on the City's priorities

Published on 30 May 2023

How can the City of Hobart meet the challenges of population growth? What should the City be prioritising? What actions should be taken?

Now is the chance for the residents of Hobart to have their say as part of the City of Hobart's review of the Capital City Strategic Plan 2019-29.

A four-year review of the City of Hobart's strategic plan is underway. Tasmanian councils are required to review their 10-year strategic plan every four years.

The first four-years of the plan has resulted in:

• The Aboriginal Commitment and Action Plan, Bushfire Management Strategy and the development of the Central Hobart Plan.
• Construction of the Bridge of Remembrance and Rose Garden bridges.
• Single-Use Plastics By-Law, smoke-free CBD and Hobart CBD speed limit reduction.
• The redevelopment of several parks - Swan Street Park, Fern Tree Park and Tolmans Hill Park.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said now was an important time for the community to engage in this plan.

"So much has changed in the last four years and it's important that our Council workplan is up to date and reflecting the realities that we're confronted with and the aspirations of the community," Cr Reynolds said.

"Getting the community's ideas on how to address the challenges and opportunities of being a growing city helps us test if we've got the mix of priorities right.

"These documents might seem a bit abstract to many in the community, but they really are what drives budget and project decisions, so I'd encourage people to have a look and have your say."

Future Hobart Portfolio Chair, Hobart Deputy Lord Mayor Helen Burnet, said the plan was developed in 2019 in response to Hobart: A community vision for our island capital.

"The vision provides high-level strategic direction for the City of Hobart as an organisation, and what is important for our community" Cr Burnet said.

"It informs the projects, programs and wide range services that the City provides to our increasingly diverse community."

Significant events like the COVID-19 pandemic and population growth have taken place over the last four years, making it very timely to undertake this review of the strategic plan now.

"We are seeking the community's ideas on how the challenges and growth of Hobart can be met and prioritised and the actions that we should take to address these.

"It will build understanding of the City's fundamental role as the capital city of the state and home to our 56,403 residents."

The residents of Hobart can have their say until June 30 on Your Say Hobart.