The Tasmanian Greens today raised concerns that the state’s planning reform process is showing serious signs of collapse at the eleventh hour, after revealing there appears to be a stand-off between the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) and some northern councils.
Greens Planning spokesperson Tim Morris MP said that while the Greens have long supported the need for appropriate planning reform, serious cracks were beginning to show.
“The heart of the issue is that councils believed their new rural living zone is consistent with the regional planning strategy, however the Commission is of a different opinion,” Mr Morris said.
“For over a month now, neither side appears willing to budge, which has in fact created a Mexican stand-off situation. There does not appear to be any imminent resolution in sight.”
“This is only one of the problems facing planning reform that is facing the Minister, Bryan Green, at the moment.”
“The Greens have recognised the need for these planning reforms, on the understanding they would be implemented in a timely manner, and we have been very patient and constructive over the period of time it has taken so far.”
“A constructive solution to this impasse is needed. However the Liberals keep saying the solution to any planning problem is a single state-wide planning scheme, which just demonstrates their ignorance on planning matters.”
Tim Morris MP Greens Planning spokesperson Tuesday, 20 November 2012
