There is still time to change key issues of concern raised about the state-wide planning scheme being implemented, says Sophie Underwood of the Planning Matters Alliance Tasmania.
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A public forum was held on Wednesday night to discuss how the state government’s scheme would affect the public and how best to protect Tasmania's iconic character.
“There is still an opportunity ... to create a planning scheme that works for all of us,” Ms Underwood said.
“Planning is not simple ... it should be about protecting where we live and why we do.”
Ms Underwood said the more than 50 different groups, which had come together to create the Planning Matters Alliance, was “unprecedented”.
The alliance was formed in July and is lobbying for a more inclusive planning scheme which covers all aspects of community needs in the state including urban and rural areas, parks, biodiversity, development, heritage and more.
“Tasmania is at a crossroads, we're being discovered by the world ... but we're weakening our planning laws and the Liberal government is reducing appeal rights,” Ms Underwood said.
The Tasmanian planning scheme is set to come into full effect in 2018 and Ms Underwood said the Alliance is keen to ensure it balances everything throughout the community, not just the needs of developers.
Lucy Stone
Holly Monery
Holly Monery is a journalist for The Examiner newspaper, based in Launceston, Tasmania. Her main area of focus is local government.
Holly Monery is a journalist for The Examiner newspaper, based in Launceston, Tasmania. Her main area of focus is local government.
