Land use on the Central Plateau with special reference to the grazing industry

Abstract

Regional land-use planning is a relatively new concept in Tasmania. At present no land-use plans are in operation, though it is the intention of the new Labor Government to legislate for a State Planning Authority early in. 1973; regional planning forms part of the intended planning process. The process can be divided into primary, secondary and tertiary stages. Primary planning consists of an ecological inventory of the resources of a region and includes information on climate, physiography, geology, pedology, hydrology, vegetation and wildlife. The secondary stage is one of evaluating the suitability of past and present uses of the land. Tertiary planning involves the examination of the region's suitability for various uses in relation to the community's needs. Decisions are then reached, policies formulated, and a plan developed which ensures the proper management and conservation of all resources of the region consistent with meeting the needs of the various sectors, segments and individuals comprising the community. Plans need to be updated at intervals as new information and technology becomes available and community requirements change.