An amendment to the Southern Tasmanian Regional Land Use Strategy through expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), was refused by Clarence City Council at a Special Council Meeting tonight.
The proposed expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) was to allow for the progression of the Skylands Master Plan proposal, with the proponent requesting the amendment to the peninsula – extending from Tranmere to Rokeby, around Droughty Point (comprising around 310ha of land) – to allow for an additional urban area of around 58ha, above the current UGB.
The Master Plan identified this area to comprise of six walkable neighbourhoods based around ‘activity centres’, it would also provide for 108ha of open space, including a 57ha nature reserve/parkland along the ridgeline, revegetated green connectors between the park and a 22ha reserve around the shoreline.
Clarence City Council Mayor Brendan Blomeley said Council refused to support the request on the basis that it did not align with the 30-year Greater Hobart Plan, was not in-line with broad community feedback through consultation and sought to densify a region too far away from major centres.
“Council didn’t see enough in the proposal to warrant the amendment request, however that does not preclude the proponents from coming back to council with an alternative proposal for us to consider,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“For now, we have welcomed a further discussion with the proponents in an attempt to address concerns with their current proposal.”
While council voted not to support the expansion of the UGB, the ultimate decision sits with the Minister for Planning as the authority on any amendment requests.
The live streamed council meeting can be viewed here.