While much of the country is shifting towards higher-density housing, one Tasmanian council is moving in the opposite direction – potentially limiting how much residents can build on land they already own.
In Kingborough, south of Hobart, more than 1500 properties could be affected by incoming rezoning changes linked to Tasmania's new Planning Scheme.
Just south of Hobart, homes in Kingborough could be impacted by new rezoning changes. Picture: Getty
Under state planning reforms, every Tasmanian council must develop its own Local Provisions Schedule (LPS) to apply the State Planning Provisions (SPPs) to local areas.
As some previous zones no longer exist in the new scheme, certain properties have been moved into new ones. This includes the Landscape Conservation Zone (LCZ), designed to protect areas of significant environmental and scenic value.
Reportedly, the LCZ could curtail specific types of small residential development that used to get automatic approval, such as sheds and granny flats, on existing land.
Local pushback
To address community concerns, the council created the Kingborough Bushland and Coastal Living Zone, intended to be “more flexible with residential development in areas that also have strong landscape values”, according to council.
But because this alternative zone was developed from community feedback during the public exhibition process, the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) could not formally accept it.
With debate continuing, Kingborough Council has confirmed it will engage an independent consultant to represent its position at TPC hearings and examine how the LCZ is applied.
“We have heard the concerns of property owners regarding the implementation of the Landscape Conservation Zone, which is why an independent review is being sought,” Kingborough Council mayor Paula Wriedt said.
“We will obtain an independent perspective on the LCZ and whether other zones could be better applied. Once complete, recommendations will guide our next steps as we continue through the Planning Commission process.”
State-wide planning changes
The Kingborough debate comes amid planning reforms across Tasmania.
In May 2025, the state government expanded Greater Hobart’s Urban Growth Boundary – part of the Southern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy (STRLUS) – unlocking 615 hectares of land for nearly 10,000 new homes.
A new draft STRLUS is now open for public consultation, mapping out land use and development priorities for the next 25 years.
From 1 July 2026, the Tasmanian Planning Policies (TPPs) – a single set of policies guiding all planning decisions – will also take effect. These cover environmental and heritage protection, natural hazard management, infrastructure provision and sustainable economic development.
“These TPPs provide the first comprehensive policy guidance for Tasmania’s planning system,” Tasmanian housing and planning Minister Kerry Vincent said.
“They will enable the right development in the right places, provide a level playing field, and ensure everyone in the planning process works toward a common goal.”
Are you interested in buying and building new? Check out our New Homes section.
English (US) · 