Greens call for tougher penalties

The Greens yesterday called for tighter legislation and tougher penalties to enforce compliance ahead of a relaxation of planning laws.

Greens Alderman, Deputy Lord Mayor Helen Burnet, said she was concerned that local residents and Councils would be left with a vain hope, and little more, that developers abide by new planning regulations.

“It is not enough for the state government to lift the limits on planning by reducing discretions and not help local government bodies ensure developers comply”, Ald Burnet said.

“Some developers will have a free-for-all and there may be unfettered city fringe development which state planning laws should be looking to curb.”

Ald Burnet was responding to the Minister for Planning’s recent announcement giving the green light for easy development.

“There should be tougher penalties set by the state for developers who do not practice in the spirit of the Planning legislation. Hobart City Council, like other Councils, will be expected to foot the bill to ensure developers stick to the planning rules, and build within the planning scheme requirements.

“To enforce these rules is a huge impost on any local government body. Hobart and other Councils, I believe, will have their work cut out if and when these planning changes are implemented.

“What I want to know is what sort of assistance is coming from the state government to ensure proper interpretation and enforcement of planning regulations?” she said.

“Even now there are a number of instances where some developers who should know better are bending the rules in order to get away without sticking to the the intent of Planning Schemes. Neighbouring and concerned residents are tired of fighting this battle with some developers who do not play by the rules and who know how far to push.”

Alderman Burnet is calling for a commitment from Minister Llewellyn and any future government to ensure greater capacity for Councils to ensure developers stick by the rules.

“Tasmania has, according to the Planning Institute, one of the best development turnarounds in the country? It seems that some of the state government’s reforms are a result of pressure from developers and not necessarily with good planning in mind. I ask, are these changes really in the best interests of Tasmania?” Ald Burnet said.