The Northern Midlands Council passed a motion to endorse the Perth Structure Plan at its April meeting. The motion was passed with only two objections.

Councillors Richard Goss, Andrew Calvert, Ian Goninon, Mary Knowles, Janet Lambert and Mayor David Downie voted for the plan. 

Mayor David Downie said it was important to get the structure plan right. 

“One of the issues is the drainage and the flooding through Sheepwash Creek. It’s been identified that there is the potential for growth in the area of Perth so we want to make sure that is done properly,” he said. 

“We want to make sure there are plenty of green spaces and we also want to look at ways to promote the commercial sector of Perth.”

“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for Perth. Already we know people are looking at putting in substantial development proposals, which is only going to benefit that whole area.”

Cr Michael Polly and Cr Dick Adams voted against the motion. 

Cr Adams said the greater Launceston plan suggested figures that didn’t warrant the rezoning of that much land at one time.

“I don’t think the growth in Northern Tasmania is going to take up those blocks in the next 40 years and I just think it’ll cause issues for the municipality in the future,” he said. 

“I’d like to see a much more in-depth plan, taking into consideration the social issues that will happen, like needing a bigger school if growth occurs in these areas.

Cr Adams said the commercial side of the development also needed to be done well. 

“We need to make sure we get the commercial area right, and how much commercial area is being set aside? that will certainly have an effect on the present shopping precinct of Perth.”

He said the green space issue was another thing to consider. 

“There are some real wet areas within that rezoning area which I don’t think have been dealt with very well on the technical side,” Cr Adams said.

Cr Gordon wasn’t present at the April meeting.