The Hobart City Council is investigating how artificial intelligence could speed up planning processes and reduce administrative burdens on staff amid housing pressures.
A motion from Councillor Louise Elliot seeking endorsement for officers to pursue early investigations into AI in planning is being presented at tonight’s council meeting.
“AI has the potential to positively impact on our supply of housing and commercial space by supporting predictability, building trust and speeding up decision-making,” Elliot stated in her motion.
“With appropriate safeguards in place, AI adoption represents a responsible, forward-looking step that enhances efficiency, improves community engagement, and supports sustainable growth.”
The council has already begun implementing AI tools in two planning areas – using Microsoft Copilot to summarise representations and trialling software to monitor visitor accommodation within the municipality.
Council staff are also monitoring AI developments in other jurisdictions, including New South Wales where the state government allocated $2.7 million to 16 councils this year to trial AI in planning systems.
According to the council’s administration response, feasible AI applications for planning include document processing, customer service automation, application triage and geospatial analysis.
The council’s broader AI adoption strategy will be rolled out in phases over the next few years as outlined in its IT Strategy 2025-2030, with planning expected to rank highly in the priority review.
The report notes that while Greater Launceston has begun incorporating smart city initiatives like 3D modelling and digital twins, AI use in planning across Tasmania remains limited but growing.
Council officers have contacted an AI provider who presented at the Planning Institute conference and will meet to explore potential applications.
