Coroners in the Australian state of Tasmania have called for upgrades to a city bridge to address a disproportionate number of deaths by suicide.
The comments were made in nine coronial findings released on 8 July and they build on a report issued published earlier this year. They read:
“The Tasman Bridge, one of this state’s most prominent and iconic public structures, continues to be the site of frequent, preventable suicides. It is situated centrally within Hobart, and pedestrians have access to the pathways at all times. The outer barrier is low in height, easy to climb and provides a direct drop into the river at a height that will usually cause death.”
A previous plan to make improvements to the bridge – including raising safety barriers – was rescinded in 2024 after detailed assessments showed the plans were unfeasible (link opens in new tab).
The Tasmanian Department of State Growth is conducting community consultations on a concept design for improvements to the bridge that includes 3m high safety barriers on the water side. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 or early 2026.
