Hobart cool on reform of major projects laws

THE Hobart City Council is poised to say there is no need for the State Government’s new major projects legislation.

The proposed laws, released last month, would give the Government the power to “call in” certain developments from councils for assessment.

But Hobart is likely to oppose the changes after the City Planning Committee considered a staff report that said the laws were not needed.

The council is set to argue the criteria for projects to be “called in” by the Government under the legislation, which replaces the Projects of Regional Significance legislation, is too vague.

Director of city planning Neil Noye said he believed few projects would go through it, especially with the Government publicly ruling out using it for developments that would exceed height limits.

“I would be surprised if any developer goes down this route,” Mr Noye said.

“I don’t think there will be developers rushing into it.”

Alderman Eva Ruzicka hinted the laws could be used for the Mt Wellington Cable Car should it not be successful with a development application to the council.

Alderman Philip Cocker said the legislation would make the planning process more uncertain. Alderman Jeff Briscoe said it enabled developers to have “secret meetings” regarding which project could get called in.

Only Alderman Tanya Denison voted against the council’s response to the legislation.