Greens condemn project laws

THE Greens have vowed to resist any attempt to introduce laws giving the state Planning Minister sweeping powers to “call in” and directly approve major developments.

The State Government has flagged its intention to introduce legislation to streamline the planning approvals process for major projects.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said she was concerned the laws could be used to fast-track developments like the Mt Wellington Cable Car and the controversial Cambria Green development near Swansea.

“What’s happened under the Liberals over the past five years you’ve seen major changes to the planning system and Tasmanians being shut out of decision making,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Major projects legislation is a recipe for corruption.

“If that legislation were to be passed by the Tasmanian Parliament it would give the Planning Minister of the day the extraordinary powers to call in developments like Cam- bria Green and it would give developers the red carpet treatment through to the Minister’s office and to have a project assessed outside an independent planning system.”

Ms O’Connor said the Greens would devote their Private Members’ Time in Parliament this week to condemning the proposed laws.

Minister for Planning Roger Jaensch hit out at the Greens’ “misleading assertions”.

“The draft legislation, which is in the process of fur- ther refining based on feedback received, still requires that all relevant and necessary approvals including environmental, Aboriginal and heritage approvals must be granted by the relevant regulators,’’ he said.

“The draft legislation will establish an independent, comprehensive and rigorous assessment process with multiple opportunities for public involvement, and it will not ‘fast track’ projects or be used to replace the legitimate planning controls.”