Hobart Workshop Committee - 23 Mar 2026 4.00pm

Topics

• Davies Avenue works raise tree-retention and underpass concerns
  Council is considering a pedestrian crossing at Davies Avenue while State Growth looks at widening the underpass, with FOSMA pressing for trees to remain.
  The project could affect traffic safety, local amenity and vegetation in a visible corridor.
• Hobart events planners eye budget, funding and visitor spend for 2026-27
  Council reviewed summer events planning and discussed keeping the Christmas program lively enough to draw visitors into the city centre for longer.
  Event programming can affect foot traffic, local spending and the scale of council cultural investment.

Decisions

• Previous minutes confirmed
  The minutes of the Open Portion of the 16 March 2026 meeting were confirmed as an accurate record.
  Administrative only; no direct service or policy change.
• No supplementary items accepted
  The committee resolved to deal with supplementary items if any were raised, but none were received.
  No new issues were added to the agenda.
• Close the meeting to the public for confidential business
  The committee agreed to close the meeting for matters including closed minutes, personnel matters and closed questions without notice.
  Some discussion moved into confidential session, limiting public detail.

Discussion

• Davies Avenue pedestrian crossing and underpass works
  Council is looking at works at Davies Avenue for a pedestrian crossing. State Growth is also considering widening the underpass. FOSMA asked that trees not be removed.
  Could affect road safety, local amenity and tree retention around the project area.
• FOSMA stewardship and future planning
  Members discussed reviewing Council’s responsibility in relation to FOSMA and considering a master plan or action plan covering tree plantings, future funding and works.
  May shape long-term management of local planting, volunteer-supported works and council funding.
• Summer Events 2025-26 debrief and 2026-27 planning
  Officers presented a debrief and sought feedback on the proposed 2026-27 events program, with discussion of a similar budget to 2025-26, potential Arts Tasmania funding and ways to encourage city visitors to spend longer in the centre.
  May influence future city events, visitor activity and local business trade, especially around Christmas events.

Impacts

• Possible pedestrian safety improvements and underpass changes at Davies Avenue.
• Tree retention concerns may affect local streetscape and amenity.
• Future event programming may change how Christmas and summer activities are run in the city centre.
• Local businesses could benefit from efforts to keep visitors in the city longer during events.

Places

• Davies Avenue (road)
  Location of proposed pedestrian crossing works and nearby underpass widening discussion.
• City of Hobart (municipality)
  Venue for the events program and the committee's work on council matters.
• Hobart city centre (area)
  Focus of summer and Christmas event planning aimed at attracting and retaining visitors.

Next

• Consider further planning for Davies Avenue works, including tree impacts and responsibility between agencies.
  As project planning progresses
• Develop or refine a master plan or action plan for FOSMA-related works, funding and tree plantings.
  Future council consideration
• Prepare the 2026-27 summer events program and budget for approval.
  Before the next events cycle
• Explore possible external funding opportunities, including Arts Tasmania support.
  During 2026-27 program development

Extract

CITY OF HOBART MINUTES THE HOBART WORKSHOP COMMITTEE MEETING OPEN PORTION MONDAY, 23 MARCH 2026 Minutes (Open Portion) The Hobart Workshop Committee Meeting 23/3/2026 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. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES .........................