The process for leasing, licensing and selling public land will become streamlined and more efficient under changes to the management of Crown Land Services.

 

The Environment Minister, Brian Wightman, said the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment currently manages more than 200 Crown Land applications each year. That's created backlogs at various times.

 

"Many everyday Tasmanians apply to buy, lease, or get licenced access to Crown Land areas for lots of different purposes," Mr Wightman said.

 

"They might want to extend their property, set up a community attraction, or explore development opportunities, along with many other possibilities.

 

"Sometimes it'll be appropriate for Crown Land to sell, lease or licence the land, according to the standard assessment process. Sometimes it won't be appropriate.

 

"But either way, applicants rightly want an efficient and understandable application process, with a timely outcome. These changes will help provide that," he said.

 

To improve DPIPWE's ability to process cases efficiently, Crown Land Services has recently been moved into the Parks and Wildlife service division.

 

That amalgamation will let Parks and Wildlife and Crown Land combine and share all on-ground management duties, providing more manpower and a more effective service. It'll also provide wider expertise and experience for Crown Land management across Tasmania.

 

Several changes are also being proposed to improve Crown Land services, including work to simplify application processes.

 

The new processes will make better use of existing information - particularly with access licences - and reduce the paperwork needed to complete applications.

 

While those changes are still being finalised, applications involving an immediate issue of public health or safety are being prioritised.

 

Priority also goes to applications supporting a Government or community initiative which carries major benefits for Tasmania.

 

Mr Wightman said the reforms complement the Government's existing planning reforms - which offers investors and developers a more efficient and consistent planning process.

 

"Tasmania maintains rigorous environmental rules and protections, and a strong assessment and appeals process," Mr Wightman said.

 

"Working in tandem, our planning and Crown Law reforms simply make it easier for applicants to enter the process, and get a timely outcome, either way," he said.