Huon Valley Council is seeking community feedback on a new assessment tool to help Community self-assess where more homes could potentially be built, and develop clear Planning Scheme amendment applications in Rural Living Zones.
Council undertook a study of Rural Living land in response to community calls for more housing options in Rural Living areas while still protecting our farmland and natural environment. The resulting assessment tool has been developed to provide clear and consistent guidelines for community to use when developing and making local provision schedule amendment applications for smaller Rural Living zoned blocks.
Mayor Doyle said “the study’s goal is to improve transparency and decision making for land-owners, Council and the wider community. We know that planning processes are complex and can sometimes be hard to understand. By providing a framework we hope to provide greater clarity for everyone.”
“Our community values the rural lifestyle and natural beauty that makes our region so special,” Mayor Doyle said. “Through this assessment tool, we can carefully consider where new housing might fit, while continuing to protect our valuable agricultural land and landscapes for future generations.”
The framework applies to Rural Living Zoned land (Categories B, C, and D) and will assist communities to understand the suitability of additional housing, based on key factors including infrastructure capacity, environmental impacts, natural hazards, and community expectations, as well as the requirements of the Planning Act and relevant policies.
Have Your Say
Huon Valley Council is inviting the community to share their views and help shape the new framework. You can provide feedback through an online survey, open from Friday 8 August to Sunday 31 August at engage.huonvalley.tas.gov.au/rural-living-zone-study
Residents can also attend one of several face-to-face drop-in sessions to learn more and provide input:
- Wednesday 13 August, 6:00pm–7:30pm – Geeveston Community Hall
- Saturday 16 August, 10:00am–12:00pm – Dover District School
- Saturday 16 August, 2:00pm–4:00pm – Mountain River Hall
- Monday 18 August, 6:00pm–7:30pm – Palais Theatre, Franklin
- Saturday 23 August, 11:00am–12:30pm – Cygnet Town Hall