Planning Matters Alliance Tasmania is a growing network of almost 80 diverse community groups from across Lutruwita/Tasmania, united by a shared belief: that good planning is essential to protecting Tasmania’s communities, environment, cultural and built heritage and democracy.
As the only organisation in Lutruwita/Tasmania solely focused on better planning, we work to ensure Tasmania’s planning system — guided by the Resource Management and Planning System (RMPS) — serves people and nature, safeguarding our coasts, landscapes, national parks and heritage while supporting liveable, sustainable communities for the future.
URGENT: Act Now before 02 September
Restrain the power of the Minister for Planning
The Land Use Planning and Approvals (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2026 (the Bill) passed the House of Assembly on 12 August 2026. The Bill is now before the Legislative Council and could be debated as early as 2 September 2026.
In the ten years of PMAT’s advocacy, this is the most complex Bill we have ever worked on. Not even a top planning lawyer could give us definitive advice on what we believe to be unprecedented new powers granted to the Minister for Planning.
The Bill allows for a concentration of Ministerial power. It enables a system whereby the Minister initiates the draft amendment to a planning scheme, with statewide application, and then holds the ultimate veto or approval power.
PMAT fears this is a power grab by the Minister for Planning, taking on new rezoning powers which former Minister for Planning Peter Gutwein promised would be the responsibility of Local Government.
Communities and local councils will have little recourse if a Minister decides to push through a controversial statewide planning zone change – particularly those that favour specific commercial or political interests over local community interests or strategic planning.
This could include, for example, planning zoning changes to facilitate data centres and property development.
When a politician can modify or approve rules that affect every region in the state, on both public and private land, without being bound by independent recommendations from the Tasmanian Planning Commission, it diminishes public confidence in the fairness of the planning system.
Key amendments to the Bill will help constrain what we believe to be the unfettered power of the Minister for Planning. Help us call on the Legislative Council to support these two critical amendments.
The vote could be as early as 2 September 2026. Please take action now.
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Host an election candidates forum using PMAT’s free step-by-step guide!
Bring your community and candidates together in one room. It’s your opportunity to hear directly from your candidates on where they stand on key issues.
Local democracy needs local voices.
Upcoming Events
Meet your Clarence Council Candidates
Clarence Climate Action and PMAT are co-hosting a candidates forum in Clarence ahead of the upcoming October Local Government Elections.
Wednesday, 07 October
6-8pm
Rosny Bowls Club
PMAT Annual General Meeting
Please join PMAT for their annual general meeting:
Saturday, 29 August
1.30-4pm
Kingston Beach Hall.
Our Work & Campaigns
PMAT works across a full range of planning issues that shape Lutruwita/Tasmania’s communities and environment — from protecting our coasts, national parks, healthy landscapes and Aboriginal heritage, to housing, residential standards, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and good governance, including transparency and democracy.
Development Assessment Panels (DAPs)
Local Government Elections
Tasmanian State Coastal Policy
State of The Environment Reporting
National Parks & Reserves
Community Guides
Study Planning at UTAS
If you’re interested in one of these courses you can book a 20-minute consultation call here.
Graduate Diploma of Environmental Planning
Master of Planning
Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning
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