Local character at risk

CONGRATULATIONS to our new Premier Gutwein on his election. In the interests of liveable and healthy communities, 50-plus community groups in Planning Matters Alliance Tasmania consider land use planning development decisions must be strategic, transparent and less open to ministerial intervention.

State Planning Provisions (SPPs) form the core of the imminent Tasmanian Planning Scheme introduced by then planning minister Gutwein. In residential zones, SPPs are site-by-site development controls. They ignore strategic and precinct planning, streetscape and character in our suburbs, towns and cities. In some cases, these provisions have been described as a “bomb” waiting to go off by the Resource Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal. The Tasmanian Planning Commission, which assesses planning schemes and handles related community consultation, has seen many recommendations arising from widespread concerns over state provisions, sidelined or shelved.

Local Provision Schedules being decided by councils now are supposed to protect character, but PMAT remains unconvinced they can achieve this. Premier, please heed your own Planning Commission and listen to the community. Address the shortfalls of the State Planning Provisions before more damage is done to our natural and built environment, and ensure local character is protected. Anne Harrison president, Planning Matters Alliance Tasmania Inc