The Tasmanian government is being urged to reinstate the position of state architect, which the Liberals abolished in 2014 when they came to power.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tasmania's first state architect was Peter Poulet, appointed in 2009. However, he decided to move back to Sydney three years later. The then Labor-Green minority government opted not to replace him due to budget woes.
Now the nation's peak professional body for architects is calling on the Liberal government to restore the role.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Australian Institute of Architects Tasmanian chapter president Shamus Mulcahy said there would be "great value" in a state architect role on the island.
"Across most Australian states and territories a government architect provides critical independent advice to the government on major infrastructure and building projects and valuable guidance on planning policy," Mr Mulcahy said.
"As the population density increases in our towns and cities across Tasmania, and we face complex issues and changing conditions, we believe there is a crucial need to reestablish this position to drive and oversee building improvements; coordinate development from a strategic perspective; and help create a clear vision for the built environment of the state."
Tasmania is the only state without a state architect.
Greens planning spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said the need for a state architect's "skills and oversight" was now more important than ever, as Tasmania embarks on an infrastructure blitz.
We believe there is a crucial need to reestablish this position.
- Shamus Mulcahy, RAIA Tasmanian chapter president
"Responsible governments prepare for the future," Dr Woodruff said.
"In our alternative budget last year, the Greens included funding to restore the state architect's position, and to fund a state demographer and chief engineer.
"Tasmania has a growing population, and our planning for settlement and land use must respond to the demands of the climate emergency.
"Good planning means protecting environmental and heritage values, allowing public participation, and valuing our public spaces."
But the government won't be changing its stance on the matter, with Building and Construction Minister Elise Archer saying the appointment of a state architect was "not government policy".
"We have much expertise and leadership displayed by Tasmanian architects who have made an enormous contribution to our state's built environment over many years and will continue to do so for many years to come," she said.
Sign up to one of our newsletters: