The Northern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy (NTRLUS) is a strategic planning tool that guides how land is used, developed, and protected across the region. It will implement the Tasmanian Planning Policies at a regional level and shape planning decisions in each Northern council area.

The current NTRLUS was created in 2011, and most recently amended in 2021. It includes content that addresses: 

• population change, including urban and activity centre growth patterns 
• respect for indigenous and historical cultural heritage  
• housing demand and supply 
• requirements for infrastructure 
• environmental hazards, environmental protection, and emerging climate risks 
• the region’s economic development 

In recent years, there have been significant changes in Northern Tasmania in relation to all of these components, and it is important that the NTRLUS helps guide what future Northern Tasmania looks like. This means it’s time to review and update the NTRLUS.

The Tasmanian Government, Northern Tasmania Development Corporation (NTDC) and Northern Councils have been working collaboratively to progress a full review of the NTRLUS.

Councils in the region include:

Review process

The review is being delivered in three main phases, with the aim of having a draft RLUS ready in 2026:

Phase 1 Setting the direction

Work has focused on understanding the current state of play and setting clear strategic directions for the region. This includes gathering community and stakeholder views on priorities and challenges.

Phase 2 Infrastructure and gaps analysis

This stage looks closely at existing infrastructure and identifies where there are gaps or pressures. The findings help shape how growth can be supported in the right locations.

Phase 3 Sustainable growth and strategy development

Using the information from earlier phases, this stage develops a draft strategy and implementation plan. It considers housing and employment growth, infrastructure needs, and land suitability to create a clear and practical framework for the future.

Although presented in phases, the review is an interconnected process. Community and stakeholder engagement, infrastructure analysis, and policy development occur across multiple stages to ensure the strategy is well-informed and responsive to emerging needs.

By working in partnership, Northern councils and the Tasmanian Government are creating a strategy that balances growth with community needs, infrastructure capacity, and environmental sustainability.

See the Frequently Asked Questions for an overview of the region, the NTRLUS, and its review process.