The Tasmanian Government is driving the delivery of development across the state, with the Land Use Planning and Approvals (Development Assessment Panels) Bill 2024 set to be tabled and debated in the coming Parliament sitting period.
The Bill will allow certain developments to be assessed by independent expert Development Assessment Panels (DAPS) established by the Tasmanian Planning Commission, improving the certainty, transparency, and the effectiveness of planning across Tasmania.
Minister for Housing, Planning, and Consumer Affairs, Felix Ellis, said the Government is bringing in new planning laws that back in the builders who want to take our state forward.
"We stand on the cusp of a fair go future for the people building our state," Minister Ellis said.
"If you meet the planning rules you should be good to go – whether that's building more homes, growing a business, or delivering community infrastructure.
"Under DAPs you will no longer need to worry about losing your life savings because of the anti-everything brigade using certain councillors block developments that comply with the rules.
"Our pro-jobs DAPs Bill backs in the builders, not the blockers who for too long have dragged them down and held us back.
"This new legislation will give the community and business the confidence they need to invest in housing and job-creation for all Tasmanians."
Under our new laws, Tasmanians will still be able to have their say with public hearings for each application, meaning that the community, neighbouring residents, and other interested parties have can have their voices heard.
This far exceeds what is available under the existing planning laws.
"Importantly, our DAPs Bill streamlines the delivery of homes for Tasmania's most vulnerable by allowing for social and affordable housing developments to be assessed by a Development Assessment Panel.
"This strong new legislation will allow us to deliver more homes for Tasmanians, faster – a key part of our Government's 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
"We are planning for Tasmania's future, we are planning for growth, and this legislation will be the next step in our long-term plan."
