The City of Hobart has called on the Tasmanian Government to partner with Council to establish a pilot Extreme Weather Protocol to support people sleeping rough during periods of hot weather.
Council says the proposed protocol would activate temporary emergency shelter during events of extreme heat or cold, supplementing existing Safe Space facilities when demand increases due to weather conditions.
“The City has long advocated for a coordinated approach to emergency shelter during extreme weather, recognising the significant health and safety risks faced by people experiencing homelessness,” Council said in a statement.
Working through the Greater Hobart Homelessness Alliance (GHHA), Council staff have developed a detailed proposal for a State‑funded model. The work draws on collaboration with multiple agencies and organisations, including the Bureau of Meteorology, Department of Health, State Emergency Service, LGAT, neighbouring councils, Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania, Hobart City Mission and the University of Tasmania.
Council resolved to provide funding for the proposal if the Tasmanian Government refuses, and to allocate the required funding in its next budget for a two-year trial, with the intention of passing the responsibility for the program funding back to the Tasmanian Government at the end of the trial period.
