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State Policies

What are State Policies?

State Policies are Tasmanian Sustainable Development Policies made under the State Policies and Projects Act 1993. They are part of the Tasmanian Resource Management and Planning System (RMPS) and the local government planning system.

Currently, the Premier is the Minister responsible for State Policies.

State Policies represent the Government's overarching position on certain policy matters and may contain matters relating to one or more of the following:

  • sustainable development of natural and physical resources;
  • land use planning;
  • land management;
  • environmental management;
  • environment protection; and
  • any other matter that may be prescribed.

A State Policy:

  • must seek to further the objectives set out in Schedule 1 of the State Policies and Projects Act 1993;
  • may be made only where there is, in the opinion of the Minister, a matter of State significance to be dealt with in the State Policy;
  • must seek to ensure that a consistent and coordinated approach is maintained throughout the State with respect to the matters contained in the State Policy; and
  • must incorporate the minimum amount of regulation necessary to obtain its objectives.

The Act requires that all State Policies are periodically reviewed, to ensure they remain relevant and effective in their implementation.

The Resource Planning and Development Commission (RPDC) is required to prepare a report on a Draft State Policy or a draft amendment to a State Policy that has been submitted to it by the Minister. This report is prepared after the RPDC has assessed the draft State Policy by placing the draft on public exhibition, inviting submissions and conducting hearings (if required).

For more information on the RPDC assessment process and the RMPS, visit the RPDC website.

State Policy on the Protection of Agricultural Land 2009

The State Policy on the Protection of Agricultural Land 2009 was made by his Excellency the Governor and notified in the Gazette on 26 June 2009. It is effective from 3 September 2009.

The new Policy provides a framework for planning decisions involving agricultural land.

Its purpose is to conserve and protect agricultural land so that it remains available for the sustainable development of agriculture, recognising the particular importance of prime agricultural land.

The Policy has been developed following a comprehensive review and consultation process.

The new Policy is based on recommendations from the RPDC following a full assessment of the Draft Policy, including public consultation.

A comprehensive implementation strategy is being developed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission in consultation with stakeholders, especially local government.

Download the State Policy on the Protection of Agricultural Land 2009 (PDF, 137KB)

Revised Draft State Coastal Policy 2008

The Revised Draft State Coastal Policy 2008 provides general guidance and an overall framework for the management of the Tasmanian Coastline.

Its purpose is to facilitate:

  • the conservation of natural, social and economic assets, values and processes of the coastal area;
  • the sustainable use or development of the coastal area; and
  • the satisfaction of social needs and development of culture.

The Draft Policy has been developed following a comprehensive review and consultation process.

In June 2009, the Premier referred the Draft Policy to the RPDC for full assessment and report.

More information on the review of the Draft Policy is available on the RPDC’s website.

Download the Revised Draft State Coastal Policy 2008 (PDF, 127KB)

While the draft policy is being assessed, the State Coastal Policy 1996 will remain in place.

Download the State Coastal Policy 1996 (PDF, 105KB)

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