Huntingfield homes site a step closer after motion goes through Lower House unopposed

A proposed 450-home lot is a step closer to becoming a reality after a government motion for the development went through unopposed in the Lower House.

The site at Huntingfield where the Government plans to build 450 homes. Picture: MATT THOMPSO

A PROPOSED 450-home lot at Huntingfield is a step closer to becoming a reality after a Government motion for the development went through unopposed in the Lower House on Thursday.

The State Government tabled a Housing Land Supply Order for 34 acres of Government land in State Parliament earlier this week, which proposes 450 homes be built, along with business zones and open space.

CONCERNS OVER DENSITY AND CONSULTATION AROUND PLANNED DEVELOPMENT

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch took aim at the Labor Party last night for “hours of grandstanding in Parliament” before the party “declared they now support the rezoning of land at Huntingfield”.

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch in his offices. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“The Hodgman Government makes no apologies for getting on with the job of rezoning surplus Government land to boost the supply of affordable housing in Tasmania, a commitment we gave at the housing summit last year,” Mr Jaensch said.

“After weeks of tawdry Labor stunts, designed to scare local communities, they should hang their heads in shame for deliberately attempting to scare communities only then to capitulate when the pressure of Parliamentary debate was applied.

“Putting aside Labor’s shameless hypocrisy, the passage of this motion in Parliament today is another positive step towards opening up a further 34 hectares of land for the construction of more than 450 homes.”

The Housing Supply Order must now pass through the Upper House, and then will be subject to normal development assessment and consultation processes administered by Kingborough Council.

About 300 community members packed Kingborough’s Community Hub earlier this year with many expressing concern over the proposed development.

Planning Matters Alliance of Tasmania state co-ordinator Sophie Underwood said the community hadn’t been properly consulted through the planning process.

“The Government is the proponent. They chose who they consulted with and will assess the proposal. Public scrutiny is completely lacking, and Kingborough Council and the Planning Commission have been sidelined,” she said.

OPPOSITION GROWS ON ‘FAST TRACK’ REZONE

Labor housing spokeswoman Alison Standen said the development was a problem the Government had created by “failing to invest in social and affordable housing”.

Labor's David O'Byrne and Alison Standen at Huntingfield where the Government plans to build 450 homes. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

“Rather than proceeding with proper meaningful community consultation they are using a divisive fast-track rezoning process which was clearly unnecessary.”