Public Notice: CBD Festival Road Closures and Health Service Updates

Community Hop Festival: CBD Road Closures

The City of Hobart has issued a public notice regarding significant traffic changes in the central business district beginning today. To facilitate the annual Hobart Community Hop Festival, Market Place—between Macquarie Street and Collins Street—will be closed to all vehicular traffic starting from 10:00 am on Friday, 10 April 2026. This closure is scheduled to remain in place until 5:00 pm on Sunday, 12 April. Pedestrian access to local businesses and residences will be maintained throughout the event, but motorists are advised to plan alternative routes and expect minor delays in the surrounding blocks.

Infrastructure and Maintenance Works

Ongoing essential infrastructure projects are reaching key milestones this week. The City of Hobart reminds residents that McVilly Drive, between Davies Avenue and the Tasman Highway interchange, is scheduled to conclude its current closure at 6:00 pm today, Friday, 10 April. The closure was necessary for the installation of a new sewer main. Following the reopening of McVilly Drive, motorists are requested to remain vigilant for minor site remediation work in the area. Additionally, night works at the intersection of Liverpool and Murray Streets have successfully concluded as of this morning, restoring full traffic flow for the weekend commute.

Public Health Advisories: Service Changes and Consultations

The Tasmanian Department of Health has released several updates relevant to Hobart residents. Significant changes to the distribution of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are approaching; official notices confirm that free RATs will no longer be available at Service Tasmania centres after 30 April 2026. Residents are encouraged to secure necessary supplies before the end of the month.

Furthermore, the Department is highlighting "April No Falls" month, a statewide safety campaign aimed at preventing falls among older Tasmanians. Residents are also invited to participate in the public consultation for the next Tasmanian Mental Health Strategy, titled "Rethink and Beyond." Submissions from the community are being accepted until 1 May 2026.

Planning and Development Notices

Public representations are currently invited for several major planning applications, with a submission deadline of Monday, 20 April 2026. Active applications include proposed developments at 5 Mawhera Avenue (Sandy Bay), 16 Clare Street (New Town), and a partial change of use for 71 Nelson Road (Sandy Bay) to support major sporting facility operations. Detailed plans can be inspected at the Hobart Council Centre on Elizabeth Street.