- Opinion Piece
Pulse Opinion Piece:‘Self-interest’ accusations fly as greater Hobart mayors oppose new planning powers
Media Enquiries
Sophie Underwood
PMAT State Director
sophie_underwood@hotmail.com
0407 501 999
Please share:
Published by Pulse Media 13 November 2024.
The mayors of greater Hobart have been accused of acting in their own “self-interest” after coming out against plans that could see them stripped of some planning powers for certain projects.
The state government is currently in the process of making changes to the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act that would allow a new Development Assessment Panels (DAP) to assess select projects independent of councils.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said it will ‘take the politics out of planning’ and avoid refusals from councillors with potential conflicts, but the mayors believe it will have the opposite effect.
They say it “undermines longstanding democratic processes” and “shifts the balance overwhelmingly in favour of developers”.
Related News & Media

The Mercury: Some Disturbing Developments for Democracy
“Underpinning the DAP [Development Assessment Panel] proposal and the curtailment of appeal rights is the undermining of democracy. And there is also the fact that

The Mercury: DAPs ‘undemocratic’
Planning legislation critics say new bill is very similar to last year’s failed attempt. Written by David Killick in The Mercury 01/03/2025.

The Mercury: Instead of Parties Taking a Sledgehammer to Local Democracy to Crack a Walnut, Seek Reform Solutions
A DAP proposal represents a very elitist view that would fundamentally undermine our councils, writes Professor David Adams.

Media Release: Proposed planning laws are anti-democracy, anti-transparency and will be catastrophic for ordinary Tasmanians
“The Government has brought back this highly contentious Bill, despite 92% of the almost 500 submissions received on the first version of the anti-democratic Bill
Support Us
Receive News & Updates from PMAT
Stay informed on what’s happening locally and statewide within Tasmania, and join our community in advocating to protect Tasmania’s future.