The Tasmanian government’s bid to circumvent council consent for contentious projects has been rejected by the Legislative Council. The proposed development assessment panels (DAPs) would have taken some planning decisions away from councils, but were met with opposition from local councils and some members of parliament. The government remains committed to bringing back the legislation in the new year.
Background
The government had proposed development assessment panels (DAPs), which it said would “take the politics out of planning”. The DAPs would have taken some planning decisions away from councils and been considered instead by a panel appointed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission. The proposal was met with opposition from local councils and some members of parliament, who argued that the changes would undermine community input and lead to unwanted developments in certain areas.
Legislative Council Vote
In a vote in the chamber on Thursday, the Liberals and Labor supported the bill but were defeated by the seven independents and one Greens MLC. The government had proposed that DAPs would be used to consider development applications for “controversial” developments, which were deemed to have significant social or environmental impacts.
Reactions
The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) president and Break O’Day Mayor Mick Tucker welcomed the Legislative Council’s decision, stating that the government should focus on finishing planning reform projects already underway. Mr. Tucker also stated that councils remain open to working with the state government on sensible planning reforms.
Planning Minister Felix Ellis said the government remains committed to development assessment panels and will bring the legislation back in the new year.
Opposition Reaction
Labor planning spokesman Shane Broad blamed the failure of the bill on Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s criticism of mayors who raised concerns about the draft legislation. He stated, “This legislation failed because of the premier’s over-the-top attack on local government.”
Government’s Response
Planning Minister Felix Ellis said that the government remains committed to development assessment panels and will bring the legislation back in the new year. He stated, “We will bring the bill back in the new year because we won’t give up on getting people into homes and tradies into jobs.”
