A housing advocacy group is pushing for Hobart councillors to support a proposed ban on new broadacre car yards in the CBD, arguing the space is better used for housing.
YIMBY [Yes In My Backyard] Hobart has written to councillors ahead of tonight’s debate on the contentious motion put forward by Councillor Ryan Posselt.
“Hobart desperately needs more medium-density housing in the city, close to jobs, services and public transport,” said YIMBY Hobart spokesperson Susan Wallace.
“Using prime CBD land to store cars is not compatible with a modern, lively and liveable city.”
The motion calls for planning scheme amendments to prohibit large-scale automotive retail in central Hobart, with current car yards occupying over 45,000 square metres of CBD land.
YIMBY spokesperson Lachlan Rule said their position was specifically targeted at sprawling car displays.
“Broadacre car yards are a terrible use of central city land,” he said.
“They hollow out the CBD, kill street life and crowd out housing, retail and hospitality.”
“That’s very different to boutique car showrooms integrated into mixed-use developments, which can work just fine in an active city.”
The proposal has drawn fierce opposition from the automotive industry, with the Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce warning it could cost hundreds of jobs.
TACC chief executive Peter Jones criticised the lack of consultation.
“This proposal would inflict severe and unjustified harm on businesses, consumers and the broader Tasmanian economy,” Jones said.
“We are talking about an industry that supports businesses with hundreds of employees in the Hobart region, delivering high-skilled employment, substantial private investment and critical training pathways.”
Council officers have indicated planning amendments are already being developed to prohibit large car yards while still allowing smaller vehicle showrooms as a discretionary use.
