Following in the steps of other states across the country, the Tasmanian government has been seeking to introduce planning reform in an effort to expediate development, manage significant or complex matters and deliver social and affordable housing.
Yesterday, the draft Land Use Planning and Approvals Amendments (Development Assessment Panels) Bill 2024 was tabled in parliament, but did not pass.
The draft Bill was developed following the Premier’s announcement last year regarding planning reform, with the proposed legislation to introduce Development Assessment Panels (DAPs), appointed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission. The role of the DAPs was intended to provide a pathway for applications outside of the local government process, touted as a means for ‘taking politics out of planning’.
Much like other states such as Victoria, the pathway was set up to enable an appointed panel to consider more complex matters or applications that might be particularly contentious. This could include, amongst other things, applications incorporating social and/or affordable housing, proposals with a particular dollar value or projects of state significance.
461 submissions were received during the consultation process, including both in support and favour of the notion of these matters being taken out of the hands of local councils. Notably, many Councillors and members of the community were concerned about the lack of engagement and avenue for appeals.
The legislation was voted 8-6, with support coming from Liberal and Labor members but failing to win over the independents. Despite the loss, Planning Minister Felix Ellis has indicated that the government remains committed to DAPs and will continue to pursue the new legislation next year.
