Rockliff government proposes to unlock development of almost 10,000 new homes

The Tasmanian government is proposing to pave the way for property developers to build almost 10,000 new homes in the outlying suburbs of Greater Hobart. Here’s where it could go.

Construction of a subdivision at Rokeby. The state government is proposing to extend Greater Hobart’s Urban Growth Boundary to facilitate the development of nearly 10,000 new homes across Clarence, Sorell, Brighton, and Kingborough. Picture: Linda Higginson

The state government is proposing to extend the Urban Growth Boundary across Greater Hobart, which Housing, Planning and Consumer Affairs Minister Felix Ellis says will pave the way for the construction of almost 10,000 new homes.

The move would require the Southern Tasmanian Regional Land Use Strategy (STRLUS) to be amended in order to provide more land for residential development.

The Urban Growth Boundary within the STRLUS establishes the outer limits of urban land use and includes land zoned for various uses, such as urban and suburban residential development, commercial, industrial, open space, and recreational.

Construction of a subdivision at Rokeby. The state government is proposing to extend Greater Hobart’s Urban Growth Boundary to facilitate the development of nearly 10,000 new homes across Clarence, Sorell, Brighton, and Kingborough. Picture: Linda Higginson

Areas identified for higher density residential growth are selected based on their capacity to provide acceptable infrastructure like roads and water, as well as key services such as schools, shops, and public transport.

Alterations to the Urban Growth Boundary would not rezone land, which would still need to be initiated and approved by local councils.

The population of Greater Hobart is tipped to grow by about 47,000 people by 2032, bringing the total population of the city to a total of nearly 300,000.

The government wants to add 615ha to the Urban Growth Boundary, effectively clearing a path for developers to build thousands of additional homes across four fast-growing municipalities.

The proposal would help facilitate the development of 3827 dwellings in Clarence, 3499 in Sorell, 1856 in Brighton, and 588 in Kingborough, at a total “dwelling yield” of 9770.

Some of the sites identified for the boundary extension include Brighton Rd (638 dwellings) and Cartwright St (474 dwellings) at Brighton, Pass Rd at Rokeby (3371 dwellings), Channel Highway at Margate (588 dwellings), and the Arthur Highway at Sorell (2951 dwellings).

Housing, Planning and Consumer Affairs Minister Felix Ellis. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

While most sites have been selected following dialogue with local councils, land at Lauderdale and Sandford was chosen after conversations with property developers.

Mr Ellis formally opened consultation on the proposed changes to the boundary on Sunday, with the process to continue until Friday, March 14.

“Paired with other key development incentives and initiatives brought forward by this Liberal government, the extension of the Urban Growth Boundary will see more Tasmanians realise the dream of homeownership,” the minister said.

“By unlocking more opportunities for homes to be built, we’re sending a message to home builders and developers far and wide: come and build your homes in Tasmania.”

The boundary extension proposal comes amid a broader review of the STRLUS.

A consultation paper released by the government said the Urban Growth Boundary facilitated “a more orderly and sustainable use and development of land”.

“The intention is to bring forward changes which would otherwise not occur until after the STRLUS comprehensive review is completed later in 2025, thus ensuring the timely release of land for residential development,” the paper said.

Originally published as Rockliff government proposes to unlock development of almost 10,000 new homes