The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) has welcomed the State Government’s decision to fund the full implementation of the Planning Schemes Online Project (iPlan).
iplan has the ability to link the single planning scheme with overlaid codes and local provisions, and provide a common entry to the planning system, regardless of which Municipal Area the development is taking place in.
“This project was LGAT’s number one priority for the 2016-17 Budget as it will strongly contribute to making land use planning faster and simpler in Tasmania,” said LGAT President, Mayor Doug Chipman.
“LGAT was integrally involved in the first phase of the iPlan project as a member of the Steering Committee and strongly believes that this project represents an important component of planning reform in Tasmania.”
Mayor Chipman said that while there are more and more moves to take planning into an online environment, this whole-of-state approach is a significant step forward and will lead the nation when completed.
“The project to date has required State and Local Government to work closely together to develop a functional, maintainable, contemporary information system to support land use planning in Tasmania.”
“LGAT also looks forward to working with the State Government on the development of state policies to guide land use and development in Tasmania, and welcome the ongoing investment in the Planning Policy Unit.”
“A clear articulation of the Government’s strategic aspirations is essential if further improvements to our planning system are to be realised,” said Mayor Chipman.
The Association was pleased to note other key initiatives including a $5 million allocation towards a Community Infrastructure Fund to support private sector and community projects, as well as assisting Local Government to generate economic development opportunities within their Municipal Areas.
Mayor Chipman also welcomed an additional provision of $1.6 million towards funding initiatives under the Healthy Tasmania policy, along with ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure projects and regional economic development programs such as the Great Eastern Drive and the Northern Cities Fund.
LGAT President, Mayor Doug Chipman.
