Community demands Huntingfield answers

MORE than 300 concerned residents packed Kingborough’s Community Hub last night demanding answers on the State Government’s planned “fast track” rezoning at Huntingfield.

The meeting — facilitated by Planning Matters Alliance Tasmania — called on the Tasmanian Parliament to reject the proposed housing supply land order for 1287 Channel Highway.

House of Assembly Speaker Sue Hickey sat in the crowd, beside Nelson MLC Meg Webb and Hobart Councillor Bill Harvey. Premier Will Hodgman was an apology.

Four motions were passed at the meeting, including calling on the government to proceed with future rezoning proposals through the standard planning scheme amendment process.

It was also passed that the meeting recognised the need for more social and affordable housing, provided it supports the region’s infrastructure.

Key speakers asked for answers to what the government’s proposal would mean for residents, adjoining schools, traffic, strategic planning and existing services and infrastructure in Kingborough.

Among those who spoke were Planning Matters Alliance Tasmania president Anne Harrison, planning expert Evan Boardman, Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter and farmer and business owner Greg Whitten.

Councillor Winter called on the government to co-ordinate a “whole of government approach to infrastructure in the region to improve areas such as education, healthcare and emergency services”.

“The government must acknowledge existing infrastructure is not adequate to cope with what’s being proposed. Yes, the government is acting as a developer but it still has responsibilities to infrastructure.”

Cr Winter said inner residential zoning was supposed to be for inner residential areas and not for areas on the outskirts of a suburban region.

Speaking after the meeting Planning Matters Alliance state co-ordinator Sophie Underwood said the large community turnout “sent a clear message” to the government.

“All the motions passed in clear majority, which says a lot. There’s a lot of concern about this proposal,” she said.