Planning should stay with Local Government - HobartNotHighrise.com.au

Urgent: Planning should remain with Local Government

I note that the Land Use Planning and Approvals (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2026 passed the House of Assembly on 12th August and is now before the Legislative Council, with debate possible on 2nd September. The Bill allows the Minister to initiate statewide planning scheme amendments, and to approve or veto them, effectively shifting rezoning authority from local government despite earlier assurances.

I also note that the Minister could propose and finalise statewide planning changes without being bound by Tasmanian Planning Commission advice, leaving councils and communities with only a few expensive avenues to appeal contentious zone changes that may favour commercial or political interests over strategic local planning. Concentrating statewide planning power in a single political office will erode public trust in impartial decision‑making.

I urge you, as a member of the Legislative Council, to vote against this bill.