Hobart Strengthens Waterfront Heritage Overlay After Development Controversy

Hobart City Council has voted 7-4 to extend and strengthen the heritage overlay along Sullivans Cove, a decision that effectively blocks any new development exceeding 8.5 metres in height within 50 metres of Salamanca Place.

The decision follows an 18-month community campaign triggered by a development application for a 12-storey hotel on the southern edge of Salamanca Market, which was ultimately rejected by the Tasmanian Planning Commission in November 2025.

Councillor Margaret O'Brien, who moved the motion, said the heritage overlay extension was necessary to provide long-term certainty for both the community and developers about what would and would not be acceptable in Hobart's most iconic precinct.

The Tasmanian government has given in-principle support to the council's decision, with the Planning Minister confirming the state would not seek to override the local heritage controls.