As an integral part of the State’s resource management and planning system (RMPS), the Tasmanian Planning Commission has an obligation to further the objectives of that system, as set out in Schedule 1 to the Tasmanian Planning Commission Act 1997.
In pursuance of that obligation, the Commission has established an Extension Service, to enhance its ability to make planning authorities, agencies and the general public aware of its processes and procedures in fulfilling its statutory responsibilities. The Extension Service will facilitate the establishment of ongoing links with all planning authorities throughout the State and thereby assist the delivery of effective land planning outcomes.
The Extension Service will be coordinated by a senior member of the Commission’s staff and will be operated on a rolling program basis. All planning staff will be utilised to some degree or other to contribute to the service.
Advice and assistance will be provided in three main areas:
To date, the Commission and its predecessors have interacted with planning authorities in respect of statutory planning matters in a variety of ways. However, there has been no consistent or ongoing program, rather a reliance on the personal initiatives of those involved. The Commission has concluded that it would be beneficial to take a pro-active role in establishing ongoing consultation with planning authority staff.
It is intended that contact with planning authorities should be in the form of both informal dialogue and the promulgation of planning advisory notes. The dialogue is important for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the time frames within which planning authorities and the Commission are required to work. With the certification of planning scheme amendments now residing with planning authorities, planning staff need to know that they can seek the advice of Commission staff in terms of statutory drafting procedures and assessment criteria without any undue delay.
The opportunity to meet and discuss general planning issues is an effective method of exchange between planners and, with Commission staff visiting the local planners, there is much more likelihood that the process will continue, rather than leaving it to hard pressed (and often new) Council planners having to take the initiative.
Planning advisory notes are a useful resource that can provide a consistent and up to date guide for Council planners, not only in relation to process but also regarding matters that are generally relevant to all municipal areas.
It must be emphasised that there is a distinction between technical and specialist advice, and advice on policy issues. It is inappropriate for the Commission’s Extension Service to provide advice in relation to the latter.
The Commission has a range of roles and responsibilities that touch on local planning issues, and a range of skills and experience within its staff. It is intended that these are made known to planning authority staff, so that they are aware of the information and resources that are available to assist them when the need arises.
It has long been recognised that there is generally a poor understanding of the State’s planning system on the part of those who are not regularly involved in it. Given that there has been little or no education provided in a structured and ongoing way in the past, it is considered appropriate for the Commission to use its resources to fill the void.
If you would like more information about the Extension Service, please call the Commission on 6233 2795 or e-mail tpc.enquiry@justice.tas.gov.au.
