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I’m Edwin Johnstone, Chair of Business Greater Hobart and a strong advocate for our city.
I work to ensure local businesses have a clear voice in shaping a vibrant, accessible, and prosperous Hobart.
By working with business, community, and government, I aim to support a city where commerce, culture, and community thrive.
My vision is for a Hobart that is welcoming, dynamic, and full of opportunity for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.
Latest News
A Community Vision for St David’s Park
27th June 2026 - St David’s Park is one of Hobart’s most beautiful and historic public spaces. I believe there is now an opportunity to look at how one corner of St David’s Park could be better used while still protecting the park’s heritage, trees and green character.
Regatta Quay Proposal Deserves a Proper Look
25th June 2026 - A new proposal for the Hobart waterfront deserves serious and open-minded consideration. The Regatta Quay concept is a significant mixed-use development proposal for the waterfront area near Macquarie Point and the Regatta Grounds.
Dark Mofo Delivers for Hobart
24th June 2026 - Dark Mofo has once again shown the value of major events to Hobart’s economy, with Hobart Airport recording around 100,000 airline seats during the two-week festival period and Dark Mofo drawing about 550,000 entries across its venues.
Salamanca to Lose 16 Parking Spaces
22nd June 2026 - Hobart City Council is considering a plan to remove 16 parking spaces from Montpelier Retreat and make a major section one-way as part of a redesign near Salamanca.
An Uphill Battle on the Mountain
19th June 2026 - The recent debate around access fees, illegal parking and visitor numbers highlights a bigger issue: how do we ensure access to the mountain keeps pace with growing demand?
Connecting Local Businesses Across Greater Hobart
19th June 2026 - Last night I had the pleasure of hosting Business Greater Hobart’s June networking event, bringing together local business owners, professionals and community leaders from across Greater Hobart.
Entry Fee Proposed for kunanyi / Mt Wellington
17th June 2026 - The Wellington Park Management Trust’s recommendation to explore access fees for kunanyi has understandably sparked debate. For many Hobart residents, the mountain is not simply a tourist attraction; it is a place they visit regularly and an important part of Hobart’s identity.
Council to Crack Down on Illegal kunanyi Parking
12th June 2026 - Whether it’s a cable car, improved shuttle services or better traffic management, we need to ensure people can continue to enjoy kunanyi while maintaining public safety and respecting the mountain environment.
How Hobart Can Better Use Its Public Spaces
10th June 2026 - When people think about what makes a great city, they often talk about parks, gardens and public spaces. But simply having green space isn’t enough.
The best public spaces are the ones people actually use.
New Hotel Proposal Boosts CBD Vision
9th June 2026 - Hanging Garden expansion to bring new life to the CBD. DarkLab’s proposal for a 150-room designer hotel linked to the Hanging Garden precinct by an underground tunnel is an exciting vision for Hobart’s future.
Paint the Town Red: Hobart’s Winter Spirit on Display
8th June 2026 - As Dark Mofo returns to Hobart, so too does one of the festival's most recognisable traditions – Paint the Town Red. From glowing shopfronts and illuminated landmarks to themed displays and creative installations, the campaign encourages businesses, residents and community groups to embrace the festival atmosphere.
Winter appeals are underway in Hobart
6th June 2026 - As winter sets in across Hobart, a number of local charities are launching their annual appeals to support people doing it tough. The Hobart City Mission Winter Appeal and the Vinnies Winter Appeal are reporting growing demand for help with housing, food, power bills and other essentials.
Collins St Bike Lane Trial Needs to End
1st June 2026 - As the trial approaches the halfway point of its two-year duration, Hobart City Council should begin planning to remove the separated bike lanes and restore this important CBD corridor.
We need to build a vibrant city centre in Hobart's CBD
28th May 2026 - For years, there has been discussion about how to make the CBD more vibrant, safer after hours and more supportive of local businesses. One of the most effective ways to achieve that is simple: more people actually living in the city.
Former Police HQ Could Become CBD Apartments
25th May 2026 - The former Tasmania Police headquarters on Liverpool Street could be transformed into 17 apartments and a ground-floor cafe under a new $5 million proposal currently before Hobart City Council.
Retailers Under Pressure in Hobart
15th May 2026 - Recent closures across Hobart have sparked concern about the future of the CBD. When major retailers like H&M, Glue and Scotch & Soda leave the city, it is not just those individual businesses affected.