City of Hobart ready for federal election

City of Hobart ready for federal election

Published on 28 March 2025

On behalf of the over 55,000 residents of Hobart, the City of Hobart is calling on all federal candidates for the electorate of Clark to commit to increasing the amount of federal funding that comes into the area.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds emphasised that despite Hobart being Tasmania’s capital and largest city, the electorate of Clark has often been overlooked in federal election commitments.

The City of Hobart has written to all announced candidates to ask for their responses to key infrastructure priorities needed for the community.

The candidates are being asked to say how they will deliver for Clark on the following priorities:

Kunanyi / Mt Wellington Upgrades - A $19 million Investment is sought to enhance visitor access & enrich visitor experiences for all that visit, our most visited natural asset, attracting over 500,000 local, interstate and international visitors each year. The City has also applied for funding through the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program to develop the Halls Saddle Mountain Gateway Precinct, integrating tourism and recreational opportunities. Delivering Transport Choice for Hobart - Investment in transport infrastructure is critical to improving mobility and connectivity in Hobart. Priorities include the Battery Point Shared Pathway, which will enhance accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians. Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre ceiling - The CoH is urgently seeking $7 million in federal funding to address critical issues with structural integrity to roof fixings, mechanical ventilation upgrades and other works to ensure the venue remains operational and energy efficient. Housing and Urban Development - To increase housing supply across the city, the City has applied for $26 million through Stream 2 of the Housing Support Program. This funding would enhance planning capabilities and upgrade infrastructure. As part of this, we’ve identified more than 150 underutilised sites in North Hobart that could become much-needed homes. New Town Sports Precinct - A $60 million investment over five years sought to upgrade the New Town Sports Precinct, which currently attracts up to 400,000 people per year and growing. Dedicated basketball facility at Rugby Park - The City is advocating for $25 million in federal funding to establish a dedicated basketball facility at Rugby Park, and home base for the Hobart Phoenix Basketball Club. A recent audit by Basketball Tasmania identified a shortage of 16 courts in Greater Hobart, highlighting the urgent need for more facilities. University of Tasmania STEM development - The City of Hobart supports the University of Tasmania’s proposal for a world-class Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Hub at its Sandy Bay campus.

Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:

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

“Residents of Hobart pay their fair share of taxes to the federal government, and they deserve to see some of this funding come back into infrastructure that can be used every day by the community.

“We will continue leading the city’s advocacy efforts over the coming weeks and seek a commitment from our federal candidates to invest in Hobart’s future.”

More information about the City’s advocacy priorities can be found here.