Submission
The State Coastal Policy 1996 has protected Tasmania’s coastal values and processes as intended for nearly 30 years. The Tasmanian Government released a Position Paper on its review of the State Coastal Policy in September 2024. The paper raises many issues of public administration, law and earth science. An example of particular concern is the proposed approach to the vexed question of what constitutes “actively mobile landforms”. The proposed changes to Outcome 1.4 would weaken the Policy.
Given significant changes are proposed, the TNPA opposes the introduction of an Interim State Policy to give immediate effect to the proposals outlined in the Position Paper, before any consideration by the Tasmanian Planning Commission and appropriate public consultation. Rather than fast-tracking amendments to the State Coastal Policy by Act of Parliament, a more considered process (including public consultation) should be followed.
