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What’s Going On With Rezoning 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 are being considered for zoning changes under a new planning scheme, and it’s caused quite a huge discussion within the community.


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If you're wondering what how this may effect you, here's an overview of what's changing, who it affects, and why so many people are speaking up.


What is the rezoning about?


Kingborough Council is moving from its 2015 Interim Planning Scheme into a new statewide framework known as the Tasmanian Planning Scheme (TPS). Each council is required to map out how this new scheme will apply to their area, through something called a Local Provisions Schedule (LPS).


As part of that process, Kingborough Council has proposed changing the zoning of many properties — particularly those currently zoned as Environmental Living (however any land with high environmental value — regardless of current zoning — could be affected if the council believes it should be conserved) — to something called the Landscape Conservation Zone (LCZ). While it might sound like a minor shift, for many landowners, it could significantly change what they can do with their property.


What changes under the new zoning?


If your property is rezoned to LCZ, it could mean that certain things you were previously allowed to do by right now require formal approval. These might include:

  • Building a home or outbuilding

  • Running certain types of small-scale agriculture

  • Adding a shed, water tank, or even fencing

In some cases, people have been told that they may need environmental assessments or other costly reports to apply for development. Others worry about the long-term impact on resale value, insurance, or financing.


Why are people upset?


The biggest concern is the lack of clarity and communication. Some property owners say they had no idea their land was being rezoned until they heard it from a neighbour or saw it online. While public notices were made, many believe the council didn’t do enough to directly notify those affected.

There’s also concern about:

  • The extra cost and complexity of getting approvals

  • The uncertainty it creates for people planning to build or sell

  • The possibility that their property’s value could be affected

  • Losing the flexibility they thought they had when they bought their land

For people who’ve lived on their land for years, or who bought with the intention of building or downsizing, these changes feel like 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

  • If you made a submission earlier in the year, you may be eligible to speak at a public hearing

  • 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.




 
 

I acknowledge that we are living and working on the land of the Palawa people. Nipaluna (Hobart), means 'place of the woman.' This name recognises and respects the rich cultural and historical significance of the area to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community. I pay respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, honouring their enduring connection to this land, its waters, and its rich cultural heritage.

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