Hobart and Glenorchy mayors demand fair federal funding

Published on 29 April 2025

The City of Hobart and Glenorchy City Councils are urging both major political parties to address the funding disparity affecting safe seats like Clark in the upcoming federal election.

Based on a desktop search of social media and media announcements –throughout the election campaign, it would appear that Clark has received only $12 million of commitments, equating to just seven projects or initiatives in total.

This in comparison to a whopping total of over $157 million worth of commitments in Bass, and $409 million in the electorate of Lyons (see table below). Thereby, leaving Clark grossly and unfairly underfunded.

While both Councils have already had some small early win’s, there are still a number of advocacy priorities that have been overlooked.

With just days left until polling day, both mayors are calling on the Liberal and Labor parties to prioritise fair funding that is based on genuine need rather than political strategy.

Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:

"As Tasmania’s capital, our Hobart community, deserves its fair share of federal investment.

“Our community's basic infrastructure needs are just as important as those in marginal seats.

"We urge all federal candidates to support these city-shaping projects that both protect and will enhance the lives of our residents and future-proof Hobart for generations to come.

"It's time to deliver fairer funding that makes a profound difference to our community and visitors from all around the state and elsewhere for decades.

"We need solid strategic and most importantly, fair funding decisions that deliver solid infrastructure that serves communities across entire regions."

Quotes to be attributed to Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey:

"The situation with our aquatic facilities is a perfect example of what the lack of federal funding is costing our community.

“Our current pool, built in the 1960s, is outdated.

“For $84 million, we can build a facility that will serve our community and neighbouring areas for the next 40 years.

“We need the federal government to fund this investment.

“Just because we don't sit in a marginal seat doesn't mean our community infrastructure needs aren’t important."

Pictured: (left to right) Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds and Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey with a graph showing the funding disparity this federal election.