Understanding the Rezoning Changes in Kingborough

You may have heard some talk recently about rezoning in the Kingborough area — particularly if you own property in places like Kingston, Margate, Snug, Woodbridge, Coningham, Bruny Island, Neika, or Sandfly. Over 1,500 properties have been considered for zoning changes under the new planning scheme, and it has sparked significant discussion across the community.

If you're wondering how this may affect you, here’s an overview of what’s changing, who it impacts, and where things currently stand.

What is the Rezoning About?

Kingborough Council is transitioning from its 2015 Interim Planning Scheme into the statewide framework known as the Tasmanian Planning Scheme (TPS). Each council must apply this through a Local Provisions Schedule (LPS), which determines how zoning applies locally.

As part of this process, a number of properties — particularly those previously zoned Environmental Living (as well as other land identified as having environmental significance) — have been proposed to move into the Landscape Conservation Zone (LCZ).

While it may sound like a minor change, for many landowners, it can significantly impact what can be done on the land.

What Changes Under the New Zoning?

If your property is zoned (or proposed to be zoned) LCZ, it may mean that activities previously permitted now require planning approval. These can include:

• Building a home or outbuilding

• Undertaking certain types of small-scale agriculture

• Installing infrastructure such as sheds, water tanks, or fencing

  
  

In some cases, additional reports such as environmental or biodiversity assessments may be required, adding both time and cost to development.

Why Has This Caused Concern?

A key issue raised by the community has been communication and clarity. Many property owners felt they were not directly notified or did not fully understand the implications until late in the process.

Other concerns include:

• Increased costs and complexity for development approvals

• Uncertainty when planning to build, subdivide, or sell

• Potential impacts on property value, lending, and insurance

• Reduced flexibility compared to when the property was originally purchased

  
  

For many, particularly long-term owners or those planning future development, the changes feel significant. Those with the intention of building or downsizing find these changes to be a major shift.

Real Examples from the Area

In Snug, a local family running a small livestock operation fears they’ll no longer be able to manage their land the way they have for years. In Margate, a couple looking to build on a lifestyle block has been told they might need expensive reports just to get started. Others have shared stories of banks being hesitant to approve loans on properties with unclear zoning rules.

These kinds of stories have added to the sense of uncertainty and frustration.

What’s Happening Now?

The proposed changes have already been sent from Kingborough Council to the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC), which is now reviewing them. Public hearings have begun, and some landowners have been able to share their concerns in person.

Following strong community feedback, some councillors have started pushing for a “like-for-like” approach — meaning that current zoning should remain relatively unchanged unless there’s a clear reason to adjust it.

What Should You Do If You’re Affected?

If you own land in Kingborough, especially in rural or semi-rural areas, it’s worth taking a few simple steps:

• Check your property’s current and proposed zoning using the council’s online map.

• Contact the planning department if you’re unsure about how your land is affected.

• Speak with a town planner or conveyancer if you’re planning to build or sell and want to understand your options.

  
  

Rezoning isn’t unusual, and sometimes it’s necessary to help protect landscapes or manage growth. But for the people directly affected, it can feel like the rules are being changed without warning — especially if it impacts what you can do with your land or the value of your property.

If you're not sure whether this affects you, take a few minutes to check your zoning here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rezoning changes in Kingborough are significant and warrant careful attention. Understanding the implications of these changes is crucial for property owners. By staying informed and proactive, you can navigate this evolving landscape with confidence.

As a property consultant, I am here to help you make sense of these changes. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can ensure that your property journey remains smooth and informed.