Executive Commissioner
Mr. John Ramsay AM
Email: tpc@planning.tas.gov.au
24 September 2025
Dear Mr. Ramsay,
I welcome the opportunity to provide a submission on behalf of the Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (TACC) regarding the Draft State Planning Provisions Amendment 02-2025.
TACC has been working with the Tasmanian Government, particularly TasTAFE, to establish an automotive training facility to replace the condemned and now closed (due to flood damage) facility in Campbell Street, Hobart.
TasTAFE and industry have endured all of 2025 without a suitable training facility, forcing 200 automotive apprentices into makeshift arrangements resulting in poor learning progression and extending training periods.
Working with TasTAFE, TACC have identified a Cambridge site that will be fit-for-purpose, provide a medium-term capacity for automotive trades training in the south of Tasmania and provide substantial savings to the Tasmanian Government and taxpayer.
However, this solution has been delayed by planning issues that we believe these amendment’s will address, not just in this instance but in any future instance around the State. The proposed changes represent practical and well-considered improvements to the operation of the planning system.
Support for the Draft Amendment
The draft amendment addresses two specific issues that have been raised through practice and stakeholder input. TACC strongly support each element, in particular:
- Subdivision of Split-Zoned Lots – The new General Provision enabling discretionary approval of subdivision across zones removes an unnecessary barrier to development of strategically zoned urban land. It ensures land on the edges of settlements is not sterilised simply because of adjoining zones with absolute minimum lot size requirements.
- Vocational Training Definition – Expanding the definition to include vocational training in specialised and technical skills that are in high demand and feature on the Occupational Shortage list (OCL)1. Permitting such in the Light Industrial Zone will help meet the needs of industry and provide a pathway for training facilities to locate near workplaces and support Tasmania’s skills agenda.
These changes are pragmatic and targeted. They will deliver clearer rules, reduce red tape, and facilitate sustainable development outcomes. I encourage the Commission to endorse the draft amendment.
On behalf of the TACC Executive and membership I fully support this amendment.
Yours sincerely,
Bruce McIntosh
TACC Manager
M: 0437 022 498
E: bmcintosh@tacc.com.au
Note 1:
https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/occupation-shortages-analysis/occupation-shortage-list