Backing the builders, not the blockers

Our Government is bringing in new planning laws that back in the builders who want to take our state forward, not the blockers who want to hold us back.

You can always find a NIMBY who will oppose any good idea.

Opposed to more homes, job-creating projects, community infrastructure.

We have whole organisations like the Planning Matters Alliance and the Greens dedicated to this perverse cause.

None are immune from anti-everything politicians trying to get in the way.

Recently, we had a development that would have provided housing for women over the age of 55 that are at risk of homelessness. It was recommended for approval by the local council staff as based on the planning rules, but it was not backed by the local councilors.

We’ve also seen key developments such as the Tasman Private Hospital proposal fall apart after years of being knocked back by council.

It’s frustrating, it’s disappointing, and it’s not good enough for the people of Tasmania.

That’s why we’re introducing the Land Use Planning and Approvals (Development Assessment Panels) Bill 2024, which will improve the certainty, transparency, and the effectiveness of planning across Tasmania.

This new legislation will allow certain developments to be assessed by independent expert Development Assessment Panels (DAPs), established by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

Predictably, the anti-everything NIMBY brigade have come out of the woodwork, doing everything that they can to mislead Tasmanians about the Government’s DAPs legislation.

At its heart, they are opposed to projects being assessed fairly and independently against the rules.

Why? Because then they can’t stop progress. On more homes, businesses, medical centres – you name it.

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.

But you wouldn’t know it from the misinformation being spread from the anti-everything brigade in recent days.

Through our Bill, we will make sure developments that drive investment and prosperity for our communities are given the chance to see the light of day.

Our Government is giving the community and developers the confidence they need to invest and continue to meet the needs of our growing population.

In recent months, numerous social and affordable housing developments have been delivered right across Tasmania, putting roofs over the heads of some of Tasmania’s most vulnerable.

But we know there’s still work to be done.

It is crucial that we take the right steps to ensure housing developments can be shovel ready as quickly as possible, backing in our Government’s commitment to build more homes, faster.

The question is now whether Labor will back in our pro-jobs bill or whether they’ll cuddle up with the Greens and the anti-everything brigade again.

Our Government will continue to drive reform that moves Tasmania forward, not hold it back