A single state-wide planning scheme is a key component of the Liberal Government's long term Plan to make Tasmania more attractive for investment and to create jobs.
I am pleased to today announce the membership of the Tasmanian Planning Reform Taskforce which will be responsible for providing me with advice on the development and implementation of a single state-wide planning scheme which is fairer, faster, cheaper and simpler.
Joining Executive Chair Mary Massina on the Taskforce will be:
Mr Alan Garcia – CEO of the Local Government Assoc. of Tasmania.
Mr Michael Kerschbaum – Executive Director of the Master Builders' Assoc. of Tasmania.
Ms Jan Davis – CEO of the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers' Assoc.
Mr Michael Bailey – CEO of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Ms Emma Riley – a highly qualified planner and former State President of the Planning Institute of Australia.
Mr Andrew Walker – Director of Dobson Mitchell and Allport Pty Ltd. and a legal practitioner.
Mr Fraser Read – Principal of All Urban Planning Pty Ltd and qualified town planner.
Mr John Dent OAM – Director of PDA Surveyors with almost 30 years' experience in the planning approval process.
The Taskforce has the right mix of experience and skills to advise on the development of an appropriate planning and approvals system which will help grow the economy and create jobs.
The broad representation on the Taskforce of stakeholder groups which includes representatives of local government and industry groups along with professionals who are involved on a day to day basis with planning and development, will ensure that the advice I receive is informed and current and that we are able to meet our aim of 'keeping what's good and fixing what's not' as we transition to a single state-wide scheme.
Tasmania's overly complex planning system has been a handbrake on investment and jobs and we will establish a planning system that is fairer, faster, cheaper and simpler, and ensure that Tasmania is once again open for business.