The President of Tasmania’s Local Government Association fears a state government plan to take planning approvals out of the hands of councils will create even worse delays.
The Premier has announced he will provide the option for developers to choose between a council or independent panel to make a final decision on a project.
“We will take the politics out of planning by ensuring that decisions are driven by the rules and not the vested interests or personal biases of individual councillors,” the Premier said.
“There’s too many examples where critical land, housing or other projects are being stopped or delayed by ideologically motivated, party-aligned councillors, and this is not good for Tasmania.
“Let me be clear, this legislation will not change Tasmania’s planning rules. Councils will still undertake assessments and the community will still have their say, as they always have”.
Local Government Association of Tasmania President Mick Tucker fears it will slow down the approval process as there aren’t enough government resources.
