Hobart City Council’s decision to reject a social housing development for homeless women has ignited a political firestorm, with calls for reform to planning processes.
Housing Minister Felix Ellis blasted the council’s move to stop the five-storey build and the “pure NIMBYism” exhibited by the five councillors who voted against the project.
The ‘Not In My Backyard’ (NIMBY) movement refers to someone who does not want something to be built or done near where they live.
Ellis criticised the council for ignoring planning advice and said their move also “jeopardises crucial Housing Affordability Future Fund investment from Canberra”.
“Blocking 38 homes for older women at risk of homelessness is astounding at the best of times. But especially when it goes completely against your own expert advice,” Ellis said.
“[The] decision makes clear the need for the Tasmanian Government’s independent, expert Development Assessment Panels (DAP).”
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds took to X to say while she agreed with Ellis “on this case”, she does not endorse the broader belief that councils “can’t do planning”.
“This “NO” wasn’t supported by staff or other elected members, including myself,” she said. “It’s HCC’s 1st social housing rejection ever (that I’m aware of). 98% of all developments approved.”
Councillor Ryan Posselt, who did not vote on the project over a conflict on interest, raised allegations about potential political motivations behind the council’s vote.
“Except Felix the people who voted against it were almost all your mates. Liberal party members, ex-liberal members and people very close to liberals,” he claimed on X.
“Was this a setup? Is this a Trojan horse decision designed to bolster your argument for development assessment panels?”
Ellis did not reply.
Last year, the Tasmanian Government announced new DAP legislation that would enable some planning decisions to be made by independent panels.
It is expected to be put in place after its introduction to the new Parliament in the coming months.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff in 2023 said the legislation was expected to include housing, social housing, large-scale developments and other proposals of community interest, including projects valued over $10 million in urban centers and $5 million in rural areas.
“We will take the politics out of planning by ensuring that decisions are driven by the rules and not the vested interests or personal biases of individual councillors,” Rockliff said.
“There’s too many examples where critical land, housing or other projects are being stopped or delayed by ideologically motived, party-aligned councillors and this is not good for Tasmania.”
“This legislation will not change Tasmania’s planning rules. Councils will still undertake assessments and the community will still have their say, as they always have.”
“This is simply about providing a second decision-making option, where the politics is removed from planning.”
Councillors Marti Zucco, John Kelly, Louise Elliot, Louise Bloomfield and Ben Lohberger voted against the development.
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds supported the project, alongside Zelinda Sherlock, Bill Harvey and Gemma Kitsos.
