A bill that proposes major changes to Tasmania’s planning system and would strip local councils of various powers for certain projects will be introduced to Parliament this week.
The Land Use Planning and Approvals Bill 2024 will establish new independent development assessment panels if approved, taking over some approvals from councils.
Housing and Planning Minister Felix Ellis said the changes are necessary to create a “fair go future” for people looking to build in the state.
“If you want to build something and it meets the rules, you should be able to get a go,” he said.
“Too often we are seeing great projects that can make a real difference for our community … being knocked back by petty local politics from the anti-everything brigade.”
Ellis dismissed opposition from the mayors of greater Hobart’s four councils, who have criticised the bill for undermining local democracy and potentially leading to a ‘wild-west’ approach to development.
“We understand that there are some local councils and some local councillors that don’t want to get stuff done,” Ellis said.
“Our focus is around ensuring that Tasmanians can meet the rules and then make their dreams a reality. That’s the key focus of this bill.”
Labor has indicated support for the idea of assessment panels in principle, but doesn’t agree with Ellis’s approach.
“He’s been attacking local government, trying to create fights,” Labor leader and former Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter said.
“He’s been sort of like the Donald Trump you order from Wish.”
Under our new laws, public hearings will still be held for each application, allowing the community, neighbouring residents and others to continue to have their say on developments.
