A major evolution is underway in Tasmania's planning system - the transition to a unified Tasmanian Planning Scheme (TPS) to replace the patchwork of interim schemes across the state's municipalities. This comprehensive overhaul aims to deliver consistency, clarity, and efficiency.
A major evolution is underway in Tasmania's planning system - the transition to a unified Tasmanian Planning Scheme (TPS) to replace the patchwork of interim schemes across the state's municipalities. This comprehensive overhaul aims to deliver consistency, clarity, and efficiency.
A major evolution is underway in Tasmania's planning system - the transition to a unified Tasmanian Planning Scheme (TPS) to replace the patchwork of interim schemes across the state's municipalities. This comprehensive overhaul aims to deliver consistency, clarity, and efficiency.
This guide examines the structure, benefits, and implementation of the TPS. We'll look at how the streamlined framework improves on interim schemes and previous fragmented approaches. For property owners, developers, builders and councils, understanding the changes provides valuable insight into Tasmania's planning future.
The TPS establishes a standardized statewide system for land use, development, and conservation. Key features:
Single framework - Replaces the interim schemes in each municipality with one consistent set of provisions.
Two parts - Comprises State Planning Provisions and Local Provisions Schedules tailored to each council area.
Online access - Consolidates planning information into a central digital platform for easy public access.
Phased implementation - Rolled out incrementally as each council adopts their Local Provisions Schedule.
By simplifying and unifying the complex array of different schemes, the TPS aims to improve regulatory transparency and cooperation.
The TPS offers multiple advantages over the previous decentralized model:
Statewide consistency - Standardized zones and codes provide continuity across council boundaries instead of significant variations between municipalities.
Reduced complexity - Harmonized rules are easier to understand for homeowners, developers, and builders working in multiple council areas.
Fairness - Similar projects face the same standards and criteria regardless of location.
Efficiency - Uniformity improves economies of scale and Christchurch reduces resources needed to interpret divergent schemes.
Digital access - Interactive online tools allow easy public browsing of planning maps, zones, codes and property information.
Stimulate development - Consistent rules provide confidence to unlock investment and growth opportunities.
Facilitate coordination - Aligns planning with related policy areas like environment, infrastructure, and transportation through whole-of-government approach.
The consolidated framework tackles inefficiencies while opening possibilities.
Two core components work together to deliver statewide consistency paired with local flexibility:
The SPPs contain uniform standards applicable across Tasmania, including:
Zones - 23 standard zone classifications (e.g. General Residential, Commercial)
Codes - Statewide criteria for 16 common issues like bushfire risk, parking, heritage
Exemptions - Developments generally allowed without needing approval
Definitions - Standardized terminology for clear interpretation
Administrative Rules - Consistent application and process requirements
SPPs provide the baseline of consistent statewide planning policy.
Each council develops a LPS outlining local zoning and applications of the SPPs through:
Zone Maps - Tailored zoning for neighborhoods and properties
Code Overlays - Maps of areas where SPP codes apply
Local Area Objectives - Locality-specific goals and policies
Local Terms - Definitions for unique council circumstances
Particular Purpose Zones - Custom zones for special areas like activity centers
Specific Area Plans - Detailed plans for distinct precincts or developments
LPSs give communities control over local planning priorities while operating within the statewide SPP framework.
The unified system also allows simplifying Tasmania's planning process:
| Previous System | Tasmanian Planning Scheme |
|---|---|
| Each council has own planning scheme | State Planning Provisions provide consistent basis |
| Complexity dealing with different rules | Clarity from statewide alignment |
| Multiple Planning Directive amendments needed to update all schemes | SPPs allow centralized responsive updates |
| Public consultation required for each council scheme change | LPS tailoring retains local input |
| Delays approving and aligning changes across councils | Coordinated simultaneous implementation |
| Applicants must learn unique rules for each council | Familiarity with consistent SPPs |
| Council resources duplicated developing separate schemes | Efficiency from template LPS framework |
By consolidating the regulatory foundation while retaining local refinement, the TPS enables a more nimble, collaborative paradigm.
As of January 2023, the TPS has been implemented in the following municipal areas:
The remainder continue operating under interim schemes until their LPSs are finalized and approved. Full statewide completion is slated for late 2023. Progress can be tracked on the Tasmanian Planning Commission's website.
An online TPS portal at planning.tas.gov.au provides convenient public access to interactive property search, zoning maps, code overlays, and development statistics.
Key features:
Enquiry Service - Generate property reports summarizing key planning details
PlanningMaps - Visualize zoning and overlay boundaries for an address
Planning Scheme - Browse zones, codes, and definitions
Development Application Tracking - Lookup status and details of current DAs
Planning Alerts - Email notifications of new applications in a user-selected area
The new digital environment allows 24/7 convenient access for applicants, developers, and the community.
The TPS represents a new era for land use planning in Tasmania. By consolidating an efficient standardized framework paired with local input, the potential benefits over the long term include:
Increased economic development from regulatory clarity and consistency
More coordinated strategic planning aligned with infrastructure investment
Stronger environmental and heritage outcomes through statewide oversight
Improved intergovernmental and industry collaboration
Enhanced community participation in local planning decisions
Greater confidence for property owners, developers and councils
Easier statewide compliance for builders and applicants
While the rollout involves an adjustment, the TPS aims to improve on the previous fragmented approach for all stakeholders. The future appears bright for planning in Tasmania.