What does the Tasmanian planning system look like?
Tasmania’s Resource Management and Planning System (RMPS) sets out the overarching objectives for the use and development of the State’s natural and physical resources. A number of pieces of legislation embody those aims, including the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 (LUPAA) and State Policies and Projects Act 1993.
LUPAA sets out the legal framework for the Tasmanian land use planning system, which allows for:
- Tasmanian Planning Policies (describe the Government's position on issues such as sustainable development and economic prosperity, and other matters of State interest).
- Regional Land Use Strategies (set out the long-term strategic planning goals for the three Tasmanian regions).
- The Tasmanian Planning Scheme (regulates the use, development and protection of land).
- Enforcement of planning control through the issuing of permits and taking action when breaches occur.
- The making of Land Use Planning and Approvals Regulations (provides clarification and further detail on LUPAA provisions).
The Tasmanian Planning Scheme (TPS) will replace the currently operating local council interim planning schemes / planning schemes, which are different within each of the 29 municipalities. The TPS will consist of state wide provisions to ensure consistency across Tasmania, and local provisions which spatially apply those through zoning maps along with specific provisions for unique places in each municipality to address local issues. Implementation will be staggered as the local provisions are approved for each municipality; with state-wide adoption expected by the end of 2021.
The planning system is required to be consistent with the State Policies.
The current State Policies are:
- Tasmanian State Coastal Policy 1996 (PDF, 105.12KB)
- State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997 (PDF, 222.58 KB)
- State Policy on Protection of Agricultural Land 2009 (PDF, 136.97KB)
- National Environmental Protection Measures (which are recognised as State Policies under LUPAA).