Development assessment panels that will take the approval of select controversial or large-scale projects away from local councils are back on the government’s agenda.
The initial legislation failed in the Legislative Council last year, primarily due to independent MPs’ resistance to comments characterising some councils as “anti-development” and “anti-everything”.
The local government sector also opposed the original proposal, but did express a willingness to work with the government on finding an acceptable solution.
Housing and Planning Minister Felix Ellis says a revised version of the legislation is now available for public consultation.
“If you meet the planning rules, you should be good to go, whether that’s building more homes, growing a business or delivering community infrastructure,” he said.
“This legislation, along with our suite of key planning reforms, will give community and business the confidence they need to invest in job-creating development in Tasmania.”
The new bill mandates public hearings for all applications, which Ellis said “far exceeds” the requirements in current planning laws.
He is “confident” the legislation put forward this time “strikes the right balance”.
“We have listened to the needs of the local government sector and will be providing the draft DAPs Bill for an extended 8-week consultation period,” he said.
