MBT welcomes Planning Legislation
25 September 2015
Master Builders welcomes Legislation to support Single Statewide Planning Scheme
Today’s announcement by the Planning Minister that the enabling legislation to allow the introduction of a single statewide planning scheme is being introduced to Parliament is a key step towards major reform for the building and construction sector according to Master Builders Tasmania (MBT).
“MBT fully supports the proposed legislation which, if passed, will deliver a common approach to planning across the state. This reform will be the single largest reduction of red tape in at least 20 years and will have the potential to drive investment and take the state forward. Industry will finally have consistency with the same provisions applying to zonings, codes and other key components of the new Tasmanian Planning Scheme. The only variations that will occur will be in the local provisions, which is entirely appropriate as unique areas and sites need to be recognised and have their own requirements.” Michael Kerschbaum, Executive Director of MBT said.
“The Tasmanian Planning Scheme will have a number of benefits aside from the consistent provisions that industry has been calling for over many years. Common interpretations will be developed which will help planners and designers. Legislative fixes to errors and omissions will be easier to deal with and planners will be able to move from council to council without having to learn a completely new Scheme every time. The benefits will be immense.” Michael Kerschbaum continued.
“It is important to note that the Councils will still retain control of the local provisions and zoning components, as well as administering the parts of the Scheme that apply to their own municipality. Councils’ role in the planning process won’t change very much at all, in fact it will financially benefit them as they won’t be burdening their ratepayers with regular and costly re-writes of their Planning Schemes. This is the single largest state based positive reform that the industry has seen in living memory and should be supported by all parties.” Michael Kerschbaum concluded.
For further comment contact Michael Kerschbaum on 6210 2000 r 0438 343 810
