Framework | Statewide

Key points

  • The planning system is a framework of legislation, policy, plans and regulations.
  • Planning can be divided into land use planning and development control.
  • Planning involves many organisations including councils, various state government departments, independent statutory authorities, federal government, and other regulatory bodies.
  • There are many opportunities for the community to get involved.

What is the planning system?

The Tasmanian planning system is part of the Resource Management and Planning System (RMPS): a framework of legislation, policy and regulation that governments, industry and individuals use together to shape their communities. The RMPS gives high-level goals for sustainable use and development of Tasmania’s natural and physical resources, and public participation in planning.

The legal framework is mostly contained in the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 (LUPAA). However, the State Policies and Projects Act 1993 and other planning and environment related legislation are also part of it.

The planning system can be divided into two broad areas: land use planning and development control. It aims to achieve a balance between the public good and private development, while protecting the environment and our quality of life.

Planning decisions affect everyday life and the environment. These decisions involve every tier of government, as well as the community, and consider a broad range of issues, such as housing, transport, heritage, environment, tourism and infrastructure.

Watch this short video for more about information about urban and regional planning (PIA)

Describes the legislative and policy parts of the Resource Management and Planning System and their relationships
Fig 1: A diagram showing the Resource Management and Planning System.
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Why do we have a planning system?

Planning provides a way for us to decide how we want our society, settlements, infrastructure and landscapes to look and function.

Land use planning is about determining the future of the places where we live, work and play, by establishing a framework for decision making, including:

  • setting policies
  • developing regional and local plans
  • applying development control through planning schemes.