Community-Led Improvements Take Root in South Hobart
South Hobart is looking greener, safer, and more accessible thanks to a series of street-space improvements led by local residents. In collaboration with the City of Hobart, the South Hobart Sustainable Community group has successfully championed three key changes to the area:
- Smoothing Out the Bumpy Track (June 2025)
- Speed Limit Reduction on McRobies Road to 40 km/h (2024)
- Tree Planting and Launch of the Green Mile (June 2025)
These changes, though modest in scale, have a big impact—especially for those walking, riding, or scooting along this busy corridor that connects homes to childcare centres and schools.
How It Happened
The South Hobart Sustainable Community group identified areas where small but meaningful changes could be made to improve safety and amenity. Their approach combined clear ideas with strong community support.
- Petitions were submitted to Hobart City Council:
- 238 signatures backed the McRobies Road speed reduction
- 216 signatures supported improvements to the Bumpy Track
- The "Green Mile" advocates met with Council staff to discuss ideas and have begun with planting trees on McRobies Road as a first step toward a greener streetscape. Further work in this spot will include seating with sandstone blocks. (See current activities on Facebook)
Other Local Advocacy Efforts
A local resident (independent of the South Hobart Sustainable Community group) petitioned Council for footpaths on Strickland Avenue. While funding wasn’t available, Council agreed to explore pedestrian access as part of the School Active Travel Plans (and an update was provided in June 2025). Even without immediate results, ongoing positive engagement keeps active transport on the agenda—and is always worthwhile.
Want to Start a Project in Your Area?
If you have an idea for your street or suburb, here are some ways to get started:
- Talk to your neighbours – building support is the first step. You may also find there’s an existing group working on similar goals. Hobart's Bushcare groups are a great place to meet like-minded people.
- Contact a councillor – they can help you navigate council processes. (Find contact details for HCC councillors here and you may find Councillors with a specific interest in your project listed as 'chairperson' under these 'Special Committees')
- Start a petition – websites like Change.org make it easy. This can be presented to Council and will hopefully be discussed at a Council meeting. (Link for presenting a petition to City of Hobart).
- Reach out to local media – the Mercury and other outlets are often keen to cover local initiatives.
- Spread the word – posters and letterbox flyers are a great way to build momentum.
Change doesn’t always have to be big or expensive. Sometimes, it starts with a conversation and a couple of trees.
Do you have an example of a community project and want to share your experience? Let us know!
