Community consultation and independence of the assessment panel are key to successful major projects in Tasmania said Labor’s Madeleine Ogilvie.
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The state government’s draft major projects law aims to streamline the approval process and provide greater certainty for developers.
Ms Ogilvie said by their very nature major projects had wide ranging impacts on the community and could be contentious.
“Community consultation is essential to the success of any project and therefore any assessment process needs to take this into account,” she said.
“Cutting corners and not listening to the view of the people can cause delay and cost. That's why Ministerial call in powers are of concern.”
She said Planning Minister Peter Gutwein must strike a balance which allows independent decision making without the “heavy hand of Ministerial interference”.
“The independence of the panel is also essential and must not be subject to political interference. This is at the heart of good governance,” she said.
“The people of Tasmania have clearly expressed their concern that Ministerial powers must not be excessive.”
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