The Albanese Federal Government and Rockliff State Government will work together to redevelop and transform Tasmania’s Dowsing Point to provide more housing, open space and community infrastructure.
The 31-hectare site, which currently houses the Derwent Barracks, has been identified for divestment as part of the Australian Government’s response to the independent Defence Estate Audit.
The Albanese and Rockliff Governments are committed to the redevelopment of the site, recognising its potential to deliver significant new housing supply in the greater Hobart region.
Early planning indicates the site could support up to 1,000 new homes, alongside open space, community infrastructure and a mix of housing options to meet the needs of the growing Tasmanian community. Future planning and development considerations will include:
- opportunities to increase housing supply, including social and affordable housing
- a mix of housing types and densities
- integration of open space, amenity and community infrastructure
Demand for housing in the greater Hobart area continues to be high - fuelled by population growth and changing housing needs - positioning Dowsing Point as an ideal expansion corridor. The new development will respond to these trends by offering a mix of housing types, including family homes, townhouses, and medium-density options to cater to diverse preferences.
The site benefits from established transport links, including proximity to main arterial roads, a future ferry terminal, the Intercity Cycleway, and the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor. It is just 2km from the Glenorchy CBD with good access to services, shops, employment, education and recreation facilities. It is also close to the planned Wilkinsons Point development.
Importantly, this process will be managed in a staged and sensible way in close consultation with the Defence workforce, tenants of the site and the community, with the Defence and Veterans Workshop set to remain on site following initial consultation.
Derwent Barracks is currently occupied by around 20 full time Australian Defence Force personnel, as well as Reservists and Cadets. The process to transfer all personnel from Derwent Barracks is expected to take at least 12 months, while work on planning between the Commonwealth and the Tasmanian Government to deliver the future of the site continues at pace. No personnel will be required to relocate until suitable alternatives are identified in consultation with the affected workforce.
Any transfer to the State Government will be subject to achieving market value and mutually acceptable terms including how the recently announced Housing Support Program – Local Infrastructure Fund can be accessed to activate the site.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“The Federal Government is delivering on its commitment of a fit for purpose estate for our Defence forces, while also opening up opportunities for better community use of divested land.
“This announcement builds on the Federal Government’s decisive action to boost housing supply and deliver outcomes for Australian households, including in the Federal Budget.
“All proceeds from property sales arising from the Defence Estate Audit will be reinvested back in Defence, to support the priorities outlined in the 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program.”
Quotes attributable to Premier of Tasmania Jeremy Rockliff:
“Our Government is supercharging the delivery of infrastructure and homes through Building Tasmania.
“Dowsing Point has the potential to deliver far beyond the 1000 new homes through well-planned medium-density development.
“Plans will also include open space, parks, local businesses and community facilities, creating a walkable, connected neighbourhood.
“Following strong advocacy from our Government since 2023, I am so pleased the Prime Minister and Federal Government have seen the opportunity on this site.
“Dowsing Point represents a generational investment in Tasmania’s future - boosting housing supply and supporting jobs.”