The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) says the new Launceston Planning Scheme
represents a milestone in planning reform and has congratulated the Tasmanian
Government on its commitment to a major overhaul of the State’s planning system.
PIA Tasmanian President Matthew Clark said the first new local council planning
scheme will provide certainty for planning professionals, developers, investors and
the community.
The new Launceston City Council Planning Scheme is the first of many being
prepared by Councils in the northern region of the State.
Matthew Clark said the new schemes include an increased range of issues and
create simpler regulatory pathways for many types of development.
“The new schemes are based on a Regional Template and will have a common
structure and standard provisions.
“Whilst this might sound a bit technical, its further evidence the planning processes
in Tasmania are being streamlined making investment and development more
attractive.
“The new schemes remove a number of outdated provisions and development
concepts that have created dispute in the past which naturally led to costly delays in
the system.
“The new scheme cements the Northern Regional Land Use Strategy and is a
significant step forward in consistent implementation of both State and Regional
planning policy.
“Launceston has done a significant amount of work in their residential and retail
strategies and the new scheme will implement those strategies. We look forward to
other Councils finalising their new Planning Schemes.
The Tasmanian Government committed some time ago to progressing the biggest
planning reforms we’ve ever seen in the State.
In welcoming the Launceston Planning Scheme Deputy Premier and Minister for
Planning Bryan Green said the Government had committed $6 million over four
years to ensure planning laws keep pace with the needs of local communities and
potential investors.
Matthew Clark said planners have been looking forward to planning reform in
Tasmania for some time and the finalisation of the Launceston scheme is good
news.
“This is good for the planning and development industry and at the end of the day
good for communities.
“Good planning is about providing better places and spaces so communities can be
more environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.”
PIA Tasmanian President Matthew Clark
