Official Notices: Tasman Bridge Upgrades and City Service Adjustments

Public Notice: City Operations and Infrastructure Updates for April 2026

The City of Hobart has issued the following official notices and public service announcements regarding infrastructure developments, service fee adjustments, and community initiatives active as of Wednesday, 1 April 2026. Residents and commuters are encouraged to review these updates to ensure they are informed of current city operations.

Tasman Bridge Upgrade Commencement

Essential targeted upgrades to the Tasman Bridge are officially entering the construction phase this month. This significant project, supported by a $65 million commitment from the Australian Government, is designed to strengthen the 1.4-kilometre structure and enhance both traffic flow efficiency and road user safety. The bridge is a critical link for approximately 70,000 vehicles daily between the eastern and western suburbs. During this period, the City and Infrastructure Tasmania remind motorists to anticipate minor traffic shifts and potential delays as crews begin initial works on the bridge’s spans. These upgrades are a vital component of the city's long-term transport strategy and are expected to conclude by late 2027.

Service Announcement: Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre Parking

A new parking management system is now in full operation at the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre. Utilizing innovative license plate recognition (LPR) technology, the system has been implemented to ensure equitable access and discourage non-facility users from occupying essential spaces. Under the new 2025-2026 fee structure:

• Centre Members: Entitled to up to three hours of complimentary parking per visit upon validation.
• Casual Users: Entitled to up to two hours of free parking.
• Extended Stays: A daily fee of $60 will be applied to non-validated parking or stays exceeding five hours to deter long-term non-user parking.

This initiative maintains affordability for residents while supporting fair access for the community's active members.

Community Policy: ‘Hobart: A City for All’ Action Plan

Following endorsement by the City Council earlier this year, the ‘Hobart: A City for All – Action Plan 2026-2029’ is now the active framework for community inclusion. This consolidated plan integrates seven former community commitments into a single strategy focusing on equity for youth, older people, and individuals with lived experience of disability. The Council is currently initiating the first phase of this action plan, which includes updated program deliveries and infrastructure accessibility audits across the city centre.

Public Safety: Extreme Weather Protocol

The City of Hobart remains committed to supporting vulnerable residents through the recently established Extreme Weather Protocol. This protocol activates temporary emergency shelters and relief services during periods of extreme temperature or adverse weather conditions. The Council continues to partner with local service providers to supplement existing Safe Space facilities, ensuring that those sleeping rough have access to necessary protection when environmental risks increase.