New track to secure future of Tasmania's premier athletics venue

Published on 24 September 2026

The City of Hobart will invest approximately $1.2 million to replace the synthetic athletics track at the Domain Athletics Centre, securing the future of Tasmania's premier athletics venue.

Following a procurement process, a contractor has been identified, and construction is currently anticipated to begin on 2 November, subject to final contractual arrangements being finalised.

The project will require the track to be unavailable during part of the athletics season, creating disruption for athletes, clubs, schools and event organisers.

However, the upgrade is essential to maintain the venue's World Athletics certification and ensure the facility continues to meet national and international standards for competition, training and event hosting.

The City of Hobart is working closely with Athletics Tasmania and Little Athletics Tasmania to minimise disruption and develop interim training and competition arrangements while the facility is unavailable.

The renewed track will provide a modern competition and training surface, maintain World Athletics certification, improve conditions for athletes at all levels and help secure the long-term future of athletics in Tasmania.

Further information about construction timeframes and interim arrangements will be provided once contractual arrangements have been finalised.

Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:

“Replacing the track is a must-do project. The current surface has reached the end of its service life and this upgrade is critical to maintaining World Athletics certification and ensuring the Domain Athletics Centre remains a venue that athletes can be proud of.

"However, we know this project will be disruptive for many members of the athletics community, particularly as it will take place during the athletics season, and we appreciate that this will be frustrating for users.

"This $1.2 million investment will deliver a modern, high-quality track that supports participation, athlete development and the attraction of major events to Hobart for years to come.

"We're working closely with Athletics Tasmania, Little Athletics Tasmania and user groups to ensure alternative arrangements are in place wherever possible and to keep the athletics community informed as plans are finalised."

Quotes to be attributed to Athletics Tasmania and Little Athletics Tasmania CEO Glen Taylor:

“The Domain Athletics Centre is the home of athletics in Tasmania, and renewing the track is vital to ensuring athletes, clubs, schools and major events can continue to access a safe, high-quality facility that meets the highest standards.

“While we recognise the timing will create challenges during the season, Athletics Tasmania and Little Athletics Tasmania appreciate the City of Hobart’s commitment to working with the athletics community on interim arrangements and keeping users informed throughout the project.

“Athletics Tasmania and Little Athletics Tasmania are committed to ensuring the Tasmanian athletics community has fit-for-purpose facilities. The renewal of the Domain Athletics Centre surface is a vital step in that commitment.

“We appreciate the City of Hobart’s recognition of the Domain’s importance to athletics in Tasmania, and we look forward to continuing to work together to support users through the construction period and deliver a track the whole athletics community can be proud of.”