Kingborough Council has seen a record number of development applications transacted so far in 2020

A Tasmanian council is on track to record its highest number of development applications in a calendar year.

Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter with Kingston Main Rd streetscape in background. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

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KINGBOROUGH Council is on track to record its highest number of development applications in a calendar year.

The council has seen 559 development applications transacted up until the September quarter — up from 540 applications on the same period last year.

Kingborough mayor Dean Winter said the figure was particularly pleasing given the year that’s been.

“I was really concerned in April as COVID really took hold. Applications were lower [in the June quarter] and builders and real estate agents were telling me the situation was looking pretty bleak,” Cr Winter said.

“But I could not be happier with how the market has come back. To have an enormous amount of activity not only happening now, but also due to come online as permits are issued is a very good thing. I am hearing a lot of stories about interstate buyers purchasing properties based on video viewings, and I think once the border opens we are going to see a lot of interstate buyers here.”

He said the council’s challenge remained to “keep things moving” after government grants, such as the First Home Buyer scheme, finish.

“We have added another 1.6 FTEs to our planning area to ensure the applications are dealt with as quickly as possible, especially with so many people looking to take advantage of those grants,” Cr Winter said.

He said Kingborough was one of the fastest-growing areas in the state.