2026
Masterplan released
The Macquarie Point Masterplan was released that identifies urban design principles and parameters that will underpin the proposed development. Cycling South and Bicycle Network met with staff to discuss bicycle access to and through the site and bike parking.
Cycling South provided feedback:
Within the masterplan, 6.2 Big Moves identifies active transport linkages to the Intercity Cycleway along the northern edge between the stadium and escarpment (see diagram, left). This space has also been identified as ‘an activated escarpment edge’ which will need careful planning to accommodate the various proposed activities of skate bowl, table tennis table, half basketball court, play area, cricket nets, outdoor dining along with the movement of people through this part of the site. The plan refers to generous pathways for pedestrians, rather than people who may be moving through the site on skateboards, bicycles, scooters and electric wheelchairs, not just walking. The principles of Movement and Place recognises balancing mobility and placemaking simultaneously, which can be managed through good design.
2026
Northern Access Road
A new access road into the Macquarie Point site and port is planned from the McVilley Drive interchange on the Tasman Hwy. The elevated road will require an underpass for the Intercity Cycleway.
Cycling South made a submission which included:
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Refuges and wombat crossings at road crossing
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More direct pathways from the underpass to the Tasman Hwy path.
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Improved and more direct connection to the Bridge of Remembrance
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Formalising the goat track from McVilley Drive to the cycleway.
Feedback from the project officers stated that the existing path on the northern side of McVilley Drive underpass will be removed so it will not be possible to get a connection to the informal path.
2026
Western Access Road
The alignment of the major cycling route into the Hobart waterfront by the western entry into Macquarie Point has too many conflict points, poor sightlines and sharp changes in direction which is destabilising on a bicycle as well as distracting. There have been at least two serious crashes in this area requiring hospitalisation as a direct result of the path alignment as well as numerous minor crashes reported.
The poor design encourages riders to bypass the sharp corners by riding on the roadway but with increased heavy vehicle movements in and out of Macquarie Point at this location, additional conflict and risk has been introduced.
This area has not been included in any of the plans for Macquarie Point but needs a complete redesign to improve the safety and level of service to this major arterial cycling route. Cycling South has raised this with Macquarie Point Corporation on numerous occasions.