Hobart Workshop Committee - 15th June 2026

The City of Hobart held a workshop committee meeting on June 15, 2026, focusing primarily on urban planning and infrastructure projects. Key procurement-related discussions included updates on the Royal Herbert Hospital Emergency Department expansion, detailing construction phases, traffic and pedestrian impacts, and consultation with the city on permits and communications. The meeting also covered planning scheme amendments for the central Hobart area, particularly addressing building height standards and the management of bulky goods retail uses such as car dealerships. The committee discussed introducing a particular purpose zone (PPZ) to streamline development controls, including performance criteria for building heights to encourage social and economic benefits, and discretionary pathways for bulky goods to balance city activation with business needs. There was significant debate among council members and stakeholders about the economic impact of car dealerships in the CBD, affordable housing opportunities linked to development incentives, and the potential effects of new planning controls on existing businesses. The meeting included presentations from planning experts and public deputations, with a focus on collaboration with industry and community to support sustainable urban growth. No specific contract awards or budget allocations were reported, but the discussions indicated ongoing planning and procurement activities related to capital infrastructure and urban development projects.