Hobart Workshop Committee - 2 Mar 2026 4.00pm

Topics

• Halls Saddle precinct plan advances with funding and consultation timeline
  Council discussed the Halls Saddle Multi-Purpose Precinct project plan, with a Business Case due by mid-2026 and public engagement slated for September.
  The project could influence access, tourism, land use and visitor facilities around kunanyi/Mount Wellington.
• $3.2 million federal grant to fund planning for Halls Saddle
  The committee noted federal funding for development-ready planning, with Council also committing in-kind support.
  Shows public investment is moving the project through planning before construction decisions are made.

Decisions

• Open minutes confirmed
  The minutes of the previous open portion meeting were confirmed as an accurate record.
  Low direct impact, but it confirms the meeting record.
• Closed meeting approved by majority
  The committee resolved to close the meeting to the public for confidential items, including closed minutes, commercial-in-confidence matters and questions without notice.
  Limits public visibility of some discussions until further information is released.

Discussion

• Halls Saddle Multi-Purpose Precinct project plan overview
  The CEO and Project Manager presented an overview of the project plan and Elected Members discussed concepts including a visitor centre, commercial opportunities linked to access to kunanyi/Mount Wellington, and a culture centre.
  Could shape future visitor access, tourism activity and land use planning.
• Funding and delivery timeline for Halls Saddle
  Members noted $3.2 million in Federal Government grant funding for development-ready planning, with Council contributing $426,000 in in-kind support. The Business Case is targeted for completion by July/August 2026, with community engagement planned from September 2026.
  Sets expectations for when residents may see consultation and what the funding will be used for.
• Transport options and cable car discussion
  Members noted the State Government has explored transport options and is expected to release a report in 6 to 8 weeks. It was also noted no decision has yet been made on a cable car.
  May affect access to the mountain and future transport-related infrastructure discussions.

Impacts

• Potential future changes to access and visitor facilities around kunanyi/Mount Wellington and Halls Saddle.
• Community consultation on the project is expected to begin in September 2026 after the Business Case is completed.
• Public funds are being used for planning work rather than immediate construction.

Places

• Halls Saddle (project area)
  Site of the Multi-Purpose Precinct project plan overview.
• kunanyi / Mount Wellington (landmark)
  Referenced in relation to transport/access and commercial opportunities.
• Hobart (city)
  Council area and meeting location.

Next

• Complete the Business Case for the Halls Saddle Multi-Purpose Precinct
  Target July/August 2026
• Release the State Government transport options report
  Expected in 6 to 8 weeks
• Commence community engagement on the project
  Planned for September 2026

Extract

CITY OF HOBART MINUTES THE HOBART WORKSHOP COMMITTEE MEETING OPEN PORTION MONDAY, 2 MARCH 2026 Minutes (Open Portion) The Hobart Workshop Committee Meeting 2/3/2026 ORDER OF BUSINESS APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE 1. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY ................................................... 3 2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES ................................................................ 3 3. CONSIDERATION OF SUPPLEMENTARY ITEMS ................................. 4 4. INDICATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ....................................... 4 5. TRANSFER OF AGENDA ITEMS ............................................................. 5 6. ITEMS FOR WORKSHOPPING ..................................