A coroner’s report has found there is an “immediate need” for the installation of safety barriers on Hobart’s Tasman Bridge.
Warning: This article contains details that readers may find distressing.
Four coroners wrote the report due to a disproportionate number of deaths by suicide, which has continued since the last coroner’s report on the issue in 2016.
Its release coincided with the publishing of findings into nine deaths.
The report noted that safety barriers had reduced suicide deaths on Brisbane’s Story Bridge since their installation in 2015, and resulted in no deaths on Melbourne’s West Gate Bridge since 2011.
A three-metre-high safety barrier with anti-climb screens runs the full length of Brisbane’s Story Bridge. (ABC Radio Brisbane: Kenji Sato)
It found that similar works must be progressed for the Tasman Bridge.
“Findings in this report further emphasise the immediate need for structural intervention through the installation of a safety barrier,” the report reads.
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In 2022, the Tasmanian government released a concept plan for the Tasman Bridge that included wider pathways for cyclist and pedestrian safety, and higher safety barriers.
The upgrades were expected to be complete by this year, but the design was changed in 2024, with the government citing a significant level of structural changes that would be needed.
There are now plans for three-metre-high safety barriers on the water side, and 1.4-metre-high barriers on the traffic side.
The plans also include improving pathway connections on the eastern and western shores, exploring ‘one-way pathway’ options for each side of the bridge, and adding passing bays and a slightly wider pathway.
The recently constructed Bridgewater Bridge, north of Hobart has safety barriers on the pedestrian side. (The Australian Reinforcing Company)
A spokesperson for Tasmania’s Department of State Growth said the improvements would occur in the near future.
“Designs are well underway to refine the shape of the barrier and improve safety for all users of the bridge’s pathways,”
the spokesperson said.
“Targeted consultation has already occurred and we will be seeking broader public feedback on the designs for the bridge pathways and barrier designs in the coming months.
“Pending the outcome of that consultation, construction is targeted to start later in 2025 and be complete in late 2026.”
Improvements to build on 2016 report
The 2016 report made seven recommendations, including the installation of additional camera surveillance and an assessment of the effectiveness of telephones and signage on the bridge.
Police attend an average of 195 “concern for welfare” incidents per year on the bridge, and there are an average of 2.6 deaths by suicide per year — about 3 per cent of total suicides in Tasmania.
Tasman Bridge pathway widening proposal scrapped
The data came from the Tasmanian Suicide Register, which was established as part of one of the 2016 recommendations.
The coroners’ report released this week found that more improvements are needed to build on these recommendations.
“Measures such as camera surveillance, police data and the Tasmanian Suicide Register are important for investigation and reporting purposes,” the report reads.
“As noted in the findings, however, while it may be possible, they are less likely to directly prevent suicide deaths.”
The 2016 report also recommended that the government formulate a “plan” for structural modifications on the bridge, with a key aim of eliminating suicide risk.
Safety advocate pleased with progress
Graeme Peck has been pushing for safety improvements on the bridge for over a decade, and is part of a consultation group run through the Department of State Growth, along with cycling and pedestrian advocates.
He said he was pleased to see works coming closer to fruition to prevent further deaths by suicide.
“I think State Growth — all of the people directly involved in this — have now got all the facts, there’s two coroners reports, no-one can defend not going ahead with it,” Mr Peck said.
“It will also make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians from falling into traffic … the one-way arrangement will add to it being more efficient and safer.”