Relbia consultation closing at end of February
Published on 16 February 2021
The public consultation period for the City of Launceston's Relbia Feasibility Study will close in just under two weeks.
Relbia was identified in the 2014 Greater Launceston Plan as a suburb likely to experience future pressure for residential growth.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the Council began consultation on the study in December, seeking feedback from Relbia residents about the future of their suburb.
A number of public sessions were held in 2019, and the Council is seeking further feedback on three scenarios of possible future growth in Relbia:
- No change, maintain current zoning patter with no adjustment to subdivision minimum lot sizes
- Limited change: generally maintain current zoning pattern for most of the area with some adjustment to subdivision minimum lot sizes in certain locations
- Substantial change: identify precincts of land that could be rezoned to provide for low density residential with preservation of rural living zoning in between
"One of the most consistent themes we've heard throughout this feedback process is that there was a strong desire to preserve the rural character and lifestyle of Relbia now and into the future," Mayor van Zetten said.
"We know that residents love the area's rural setting, its proximity to nature, the natural vegetation and its wildlife and the scenic character.
People feel that the area is peaceful and safe." Mayor van Zetten said it was important that the Council took a pragmatic approach to the way Relbia was developed.
"Obviously, we want to be able to provide housing supply for the future growth of the city, but we want to do it through a considered, strategic approach," Mayor van Zetten said.
The Relbia Feasibility Study report has recommended the limited change approach be taken to future residential subdivision in the area.
Mayor van Zetten said a common concern raised by residents was a fear of the over-densification of Relbia.
"A number of people have said they believe this feasibility study could open up Relbia to broad-scale development and greater densification, but that's something the Council is definitely not considering," he said.
"There are certainly no development proposals before council for any large-scale development in the area.
"In fact, that philosophy would go against exactly what the Council is trying to achieve through this process."
Mayor van Zetten stressed that it was simply not possible under the current planning scheme for any broad-scale densification to occur.
"The consultation process the Council kicked off late last year was a genuine attempt to have an up-front and honest conversation with the Relbia community about how they see their suburb developing in the future," Mayor van Zetten said.
"We encourage people to participate in the ongoing engagement process through the appropriate channels." Consultation on the Relbia Feasibility Study closes on February 26.
To have your say, visit the Council's community engagement platform Your Voice Your Launceston.
Any resident who would like a hard copy of the survey can contact the Council on 6323 3000.