Survey reveals the Battery Point Walkway has 89 per cent of community support
The possibility of a walkway along the Battery Point foreshore has been given a big boost after a survey found an overwhelming majority of people support it. Here’s what’s next.
Tasmania
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A controversial walkway around the Battery Point foreshore is still on the agenda, with the Hobart City Council confirming a report on the $10m proposal will soon be presented to councillors.
It comes as a recent survey commissioned by the council found that 89 per cent of people supported the walkway.
The Friends of Battery Point Walkway group first proposed a walkway between Salamanca and Sandy Bay.
The group’s spokesman David Hook said he was not surprised by the survey results.
“It’s very much what we kind of expected from both the work we’ve done in the community talking to local people when we launched the concept design back in November 2023,” Mr Hook said.
“But it’s still great to see an independent survey out there which shows how strongly united Hobartians are in support of the walkway.”
Mr Hook said there were many benefits to having a walkway around the coastline of Battery Point.
“I think it’s a fantastic tourist attraction for visitors to the city.
“There are 60,000 people who live within 4kms of the walkway, so it’ll be a really popular thing.
“I think this is one of the most beautiful harbour foreshores in Australia of any city. People will really be able to enjoy what is a beautiful place.”
Ahead of the federal election, Mr Hook hoped the project would attract some federal funding.
Battery Point residents have vehemently opposed a walkway, saying it would affect on views and privacy and restrict access to the river.
A group of Clarke Ave residents led by retired doctor Michael Loughhead successfully appealed against a council decision in 2015 to approve stage one of the project.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the walkway was something that the council was considering.
“The idea of establishing a shared riverside pathway around the Battery Point foreshore has been proposed for more than 15 years,” Ms Reynolds said.
“A safe and accessible walkway to connect the Hobart waterfront to Sandy Bay will be a really great facility for people who live and work in Sandy Bay and for visitors to Hobart.
“Over the last 20 years, coastal and riverside walkways have become a common feature of many Australian cities.
“They’re very popular everywhere they developed so I’m not at all surprised by this poll result.
“Our CEO, Michael Stretton, has been engaging with residents and groups regarding this project and will be bringing a report to Council soon.”
It is estimated that the Battery Point walkway would cost more than $5m to build.
Originally published as Survey reveals the Battery Point Walkway has 89 per cent of community support
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