hobart@edwinjohnstone.com.au
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Macquarie Point not ready for AFL until 2031
The confirmation that Macquarie Point Stadium is unlikely to host AFL games until 2031 reflects the reality of delivering infrastructure projects of this scale and complexity. Projects of this size require careful planning, engineering and delivery, and delays between construction completion and operational readiness are not unusual. The priority should not be whether it opens
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Hanging Garden Precinct $300M Boost for Hobart
A $300 million private investment in the heart of the city sends a strong signal that business has real confidence in Tasmania’s capital and its future. This is exactly the kind of investment Hobart needs. The Hanging Garden redevelopment shows investors are prepared to back Hobart for the long term and help drive the next
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Motion to Ban Buses from Collins Street
An upcoming council motion proposes relocating private buses from Collins Street. Buses shouldn’t be seen as a nuisance, they are essential. Services like SkyBus connect visitors directly to the CBD, keeping the city accessible for everyone. Forcing buses out of Collins Street would expose a simple fact: the new bike lanes and street redesigns aren’t
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Tasmanian Small Business Expo 2026
I will be having a stall at the upcoming Tasmanian Small Business Expo on Thursday 19th March at the Hobart City Hall. The Tasmanian Small Business Expo is designed to give small business owners, entrepreneurs, and supporters what they need most: practical insights, meaningful connections, and access to resources that make running a business easier.
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Business Greater Hobart – Awards Launch
Tonight I hosted the first monthly Business Greater Hobart Networking event for 2026, proudly launching the inaugural Greater Hobart Small Business Excellence Awards. Great energy, inspiring local businesses, and plenty of meaningful connections, an exciting start to the year ahead. For more information on the awards or to explore our upcoming events, visit: businessgreaterhobart.com.au
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Council Plans Safety Officers for Hobart
Hobart may soon have a small team of uniformed officers patrolling the CBD under the council-led Safer Hobart Program. The plan would see three officers working business hours, Monday to Friday, engaging with local businesses, monitoring trouble spots, and connecting rough sleepers and at-risk individuals with support services. The program draws on similar models in
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Should Glenorchy merge with Hobart?
Glenorchy councillors unanimously voted down Hobart’s merger proposal this week, sending a clear message that the city is not ready to be folded into a much larger neighbour. A report by Glenorchy City Council CEO Emilio Reale highlighted the council’s strong financial position, noting it is debt-free, maintains low residential rates, and has a fully
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Choir of High Hopes Hobart – Welcome BBQ 2026
BBQ Choir Great company Summer weather Today I manned the BBQ for the Choir of High Hopes Hobart – Welcome Back BBQ 2026. Such a lovely chance to reconnect in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Rehearsals start next week, everyone welcome! The choir offers people experiencing disadvantage in its many forms the opportunity to sing in
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Hobart must focus on what matters
Published Mercury Newspaper Local Government Minister Kerry Vincent’s warning to Hobart City Council should not be dismissed as political noise. It is a clear signal that confidence in the council’s direction and priorities is wearing thin, not just within government, but among ratepayers, businesses and investors who expect better from those elected to represent them.
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$35 Million New Town Development Approved After Unanimous Vote
At the Planning Authority Committee meeting on Wednesday 21 January, approval was granted for the redevelopment of the former WIN Television site at 48–50 and 52 New Town Road, New Town. The decision clears the way for a major mixed-use project on the long-vacant land. The $35 million proposal includes 23 residential dwellings and 38