LGAT Submission – Draft Tasmanian Planning Policies – Tasmanian Planning Commission Review
We welcomed the opportunity to provide feedback on the Draft Tasmanian Planning Policies for review by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
This is Tasmania’s first attempt since the establishment of the State Policies to compile a comprehensive suite of policies on planning and development for the state. The limited availability of state-level policy and strategic guidance material has created a gap in our planning system which has resulted in unjustified public criticism towards councils regarding development issues.
The establishment of the Tasmanian Planning Policies is welcomed by the sector, however, consultation with our members suggests that most councils believe that the policies in their current form are not yet fit for purpose. Our submission highlights the following:
- Increased clarity is needed to provide a clear pathway for the preparation and approval of plans and amendments.
- Fair distribution of infrastructure contributions is required to activate development.
- The Settlement Policy should be refined to include consideration of infill development.
- Overall, the policies need to consider improved adaptive responses and change management to facilitate good plan making.
For our sector, complete and functional Tasmanian Planning Policies may be the most important piece of planning reform for over a decade. Closer engagement with local government to develop practical Policies and a focus on continual improvement will be key to their success.