Media release – Friends of Battery Point Walkway, 14 February 2025
Hobart says yes to a Battery Point Walkway
Nine out of ten people in Hobart support a waterfront walkway linking Hobart and Sandy Bay.
Friends of Battery Point Walkway has welcomed an independent survey of 400 residents in Hobart that confirms very strong support for a shared walkway for people walking and on bikes.
“Hobart absolutely loves this proposal,” spokesperson David Hook said. “The river belongs to everyone and an attractive, low-impact walkway will open public access to the river and the foreshore. We knew it was popular, and here’s the proof. This is a project that unites people across Hobart.”
“Hobart wants to get this done – now. We’re heading into a federal election and we’re calling for funding commitments to get the walkway built. People in Hobart can’t wait to go for a walk or ride their bikes along this stunning waterfront.”
“This project ticks all the boxes. It’s attractive, low impact, affordable, wildly popular and stacks up financially.”
The walkway will provide spectacular views down the estuary towards Storm Bay; a safe cycling and walking route from the city to Sandy Bay; and access to the waterfront parks and rich indigenous and maritime history of Battery Point.
Hobart City Council commissioned the Ipsos survey, which was conducted in December and found “very strong support for a waterfront walkway for pedestrians and cyclists linking the city and Sandy Bay.”
A summary of key findings said: “almost nine in ten support the idea with fewer than one in 20 opposed.”
Attached are the Ipsos survey excerpt and renders of the Battery Point Walkway. The Ipsos survey is available at: https://hobart.infocouncil.biz/ Hobart Workshop Committee attachment (11 Feb 2025): pp. 76-109.
Friends of Battery Point Walkway forecast a high social return on investment: every $1 invested will deliver more than $5 of public benefit in improved health, social wellbeing and transport outcomes for the Hobart community.
