Stricter construction standards with penalties for violators coming

The Town and Country Planning Department will enforce stricter compliance with construction and development standards, introducing penalties to address breaches of the territory’s Planning Act.

During his recent Speech from the Throne, Governor Daniel Pruce highlighted persistent violations stemming from weak enforcement mechanisms. He said the TCPD has identified measures to prevent future breaches. “Violations often arise from non-compliance with planning approvals, unauthorized alterations, or deviations from established guidelines,” Governor Pruce stated. “The Town and Country Planning Department has determined that the current legislative framework lacks the authority needed to take swift and decisive action against violators,” the Governor continued.

To address these challenges, the Governor announced that the department is prioritizing legislative amendments to enhance enforcement powers. “The proposed amendments to the Physical Planning Act 2004will introduce a system of civil penalties, fines, and other enforcement mechanisms to address breaches promptly and effectively,” the Governor said.