Libs have second crack at introducing planning panels

The Liberal minority government’s second attempt to transfer planning council powers for some developments to special panels has been released for public comment.

: Liberal minister Felix Ellis speaks to the media at Parliament Square.

The Liberal minority government’s second attempt to transfer planning council powers for some developments to special panels has been released for public comment.

The Legislative Council knocked back a government bill to allow development assessment panels to assess some developments in November last year.

The government says the move would “take the politics out of planning” but some critics are concerned the move will enable developers to make an end run around councils, who traditionally look after planning.

Minister for Planning and Consumer Affairs Felix Ellis on Wednesday announced a

a new round of public consultation on the draft Land Use Planning and Approvals (Development Assessment Panels) Bill 2025.

He said independent expert panels established by the Tasmanian Planning Commission, would improve the “certainty, transparency, and the effectiveness” of planning across Tasmania.

“Our government will always back in the builders who want to grow our economy, create jobs and take our state forward,” Mr Ellis said.

Minister Felix Ellis. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“This legislation, along with our suite of key planning reforms, will give community and business the confidence they need to invest in job-creating development in Tasmania.

“Under these streamlined laws, we are ensuring Tasmanians can have a greater say in the development assessment process, with public hearings for each and every application allowing community members to have their voices heard.

“This far exceeds what is available under the existing planning laws.”

The consultation period will run for eight weeks.

Opinion polling on another government planning reform has revealed weak support, but more people in favour than against.

Mr Ellis has announced plans to restrict appeals against developments only to those directly affected — locking third parties out of having a say.

An EMRS poll revealed that 44 per cent of 1000 people surveyed on the change were in support, with 34 per cent opposed and 23 per cent of respondents neutral.

Mr Ellis also on Wednesday announced plans to “cut red tape” in the construction industry by allowing plumbers to install plumbing work in a standard house construction without council approval.

“Currently, plumbing work for a new home requires approval, even if it complies with standard designs.

“We want to make sure that, for standard ‘deemed-to-satisfy’ plumbing work, designed and installed by licensed tradies, you won’t need to jump through anymore unnecessary hoops.”

Originally published as Libs have second crack at introducing planning panels