What is this about?
In 2022, the Tasmanian Parliament passed legislation to introduce a Container Refund Scheme (CRS) across Tasmania. While the proposed scheme is modelled on schemes that exist in other Australian jurisdictions, it is also specifically designed to fit within Tasmania’s planning and regulatory system.
The Tasmanian Planning Scheme requires amending to enable the CRS to be implemented.
What is not included?
This amendment did not include anything about larger scale waste management facilities.
Who is involved?
The SPO has the lead role in preparing the draft amendment. The Tasmanian Planning Commission assesses the amendment.
How long will it take?
The project commenced in June 2022 and completed in January 2024.
Background
The Container Refund Scheme Act 2022 sets out the broad aims and requirements of the scheme. Other aspects of the scheme will take effect through Tasmania’s planning system , which sets out what and where various land uses are permitted - this requires changes to the Tasmanian Planning Scheme and remaining interim planning schemes, mostly in relation to waste transfer stations and where and how they operate.
Interim SPP Amendment 01/2022 and Interim Planning Directive No. 6 were previously made in 2022 to enable early consideration of proposals for the container refund scheme. The final SPP Amendment 01/2022 and Planning Directive No. 9 replace these instruments.
For more information about how the Container Refund Scheme will operate, see the background paper prepared by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE).
For more information on the review process for draft SPP amendments, see the Tasmanian Planning Commission website.
Minister issues Terms of Reference, Status: Complete
Minister for Planning
The Minister issues a Terms of Reference whenever a draft amendment to the SPPs starts. These describe the proposed scope of changes.
The TOR for this amendment is here.
A background paper explaining how container refund schemes operate is also available.
Draft amendment prepared, Status: Complete
State Planning Office
The SPO drafted the amendment for the Container Refund Scheme. While this was going through the formal Commission assessment process, the Minister also released Interim Planning Directive No 6, which gave the amendment immediate effect for a twelve month period for councils still operating on Interim Schemes, and Interim SPPs amendment 01/2022, which did the same for councils on the TPS.
Draft amendment approved for exhibition, Status: Complete
Minister for Planning
Have your say, Status: Complete
Tasmanian Planning Commission
Minister makes the SPP amendment, Status: Complete
Minister for Planning
The Tasmanian Planning Commission recommended to the Minister that the amendment, with modifications, be made. Their report is available on their website.
AM-SPP-01-2022 - Container Refund Scheme – Tasmanian Planning Commission Website
The Minister's accepted the recommendation and has made State Planning Provisions (SPP) Amendment 01/2022 and Planning Directive No.9. They came into effect on 24 January 2024 to enable the introduction of the Container Refund Scheme.
