The Tasmanian Planning Commission (the Commission) operates under the Tasmanian Planning Commission Act 1997. Its core role is to assess and approve Local Provisions Schedules (LPSs) and LPS amendments, such as zone changes, considering any issues raised during consultation. The Commission makes recommendations to the Minister on amendments to the State Planning Provisions (SPPs) and regional land use strategies.
The Commission is also responsible for:
- assessing and approving major projects
- assessing and approving major infrastructure projects if declared by the Minister for Planning
- implementing housing land supply orders by amending zones in LPSs
- reviewing draft management plan reports and submissions, such as national park and water management plans
- recommendations to the Minister for Planning on any remaining draft planning directives
- recommendations on SPPs and Tasmanian Planning Policies (TPPs)
- assessing and making recommendations on projects of state significance.
The Commission may also have a role in reviewing the SPPs or TPPs if directed by the Minister for Planning.
Their website lists all current assessments and hearings, as well as information about their assessment and review processes. Many of these processes include periods of public consultation.
The Commission is also responsible for maintaining and publishing planning schemes online.
The Commission does not:
- draft an LPS unless directed by the Minister for Planning
- draft or initiate LPS amendments
- make decisions about development applications, unless combined with an LPS amendment or as part of the major projects process.
These roles and decisions are performed by councils.
