New planning scheme grows success at Costa

Tasmania’s new single, state-wide planning scheme will make the red tape and inconsistency that hindered businesses like Costa Berries a thing of the past.

Until recently, planning laws prevented Costa from growing strawberries at its Wesley Vale farm in the most efficient way; on raised tables and in poly tunnels. Instead, the planning rules insisted that Costa grew their strawberries in the ground.

Common-sense has now prevailed, following intervention from the Government, and a temporary fix has now been put in place. Though, this fix only applies to the North West.

But under our new Tasmanian Planning Scheme the same planning rules will be in place across the state, which will allow for raised tables in poly tunnels, regardless of council area or region.

This is exactly the sort of common-sense and consistency that Tasmanian businesses have been crying out for, and which our single, state-wide planning scheme will deliver.

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to making the planning system faster, fairer, simpler and cheaper.

The Treasurer Peter Gutwein yesterday tabled landmark legislation that will overhaul the planning system, delivering around 80 per cent consistency state-wide and providing clarity and certainty for everyone.

One state-wide planning system will provide confidence for those looking to invest and expand, in-turn growing the economy and creating jobs.

The Tasmanian Planning Scheme will be up and running in full in 2017, one year ahead of schedule.
Will Hodgman, Premier