This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
FOLLOWING a disappointing setback in the ‘Skylands’ Droughty Point development, the Rockliff Government continue to plough ahead as they explore how to move the development forward.
The 2500 dwellings housing development was knocked back by Clarence City Council in what was labelled an ‘astonishing decision’ by planning minister Michael Ferguson.
The Rockliff Government is moving forward as they aim to ensure the development can be assessed by the independent Tasmanian Planning Commission.
The intervention comes after plans for the 2,500 housing estate was rejected by the Clarence City Council. The project received strong opposition from local residents. Of the 800 people who responded, 64% opposed the plans while 23% were in favour.
Meanwhile a petition named ‘Save Droughty Point Peninsula from the proposed mega ‘Skylands’ development’ on change.org has reached over 5000 signatures.
Ferguson has began consultation on amendments to the Southern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy so the area can be unlocked to provide more housing in a place desperately lacking supply.
If approved, the development would create six new suburbs.
Ferguson states that the purpose of the urban growth boundary is to indicate the ‘outer-limits’ of the Greater Hobart settlements and having a boundary on Droughty Point makes no sense.
“The Council’s astonishing decision to vote against the expert advice of their own planning department was a vote against common sense, but we will act where the Council has failed to ensure the project can be assessed fairly,” he said.
“Unlike the Labor Party, the Liberal Government does not accept this bad decision of the majority of councillors.”
“Our amendment to the Strategy will clear the way for the Droughty Point development to be assessed fairly by the Tasmanian Planning Commission – as it should be – which will include public exhibition and public hearings.”
“We will always support the right of proponents to have their proposals considered through an appropriate assessment process, and our Government will always take action to get things done and ensure important developments like this can be assessed on their merits.”
The planning minister took aim at the Labor party after they sided with the Council’s call on the development.
“Our actions stand in stark contrast to the Labor opposition, who have unbelievably backed the Council’s decision to block the project proceeding and deliver 2,500 homes for Tasmanians.”
“Labor’s decision to back the Council’s decision has shredded what little credibility they might’ve had on housing.”
