ReCFIT Case Management Service
The ReCFIT case management service supports renewable energy proponents seeking to develop in Tasmania.
The service makes it easier for energy proponents to navigate the approval process in Tasmania, and speeds up connections to all areas of Government.
Why use the Case Management Service?
- Dedicated support – A dedicated case manager will provide tailored advice to help you navigate the approvals phase of your project.
- Cross-agency coordination – We collaborate with other Tasmanian Government agencies, the Australian Government, and regulators to drive timely solutions.
- Transparent process – Clear visibility and regular updates on assessment progress.
- Identify government funding initiatives – We can help connect you with government funding opportunities such as the Australian Government Capacity Investment Scheme.
- Enhance community benefits – We provide guidance on best practice engagement and community benefit sharing in Tasmania.
Eligibility
The case management service is available to all major renewable energy generation, storage , and transmission projects.
The service may also be available to smaller-scale research and development projects that involve new and emerging renewable energy technologies.
To discuss your project’s eligibility and the services we can provide, contact the case management team at reap@recfit.tas.gov.au
Who we work with
Our case management team works closely with Tasmanian regulators and agencies and the Australian Government to help throughout the development of your project.
We can provide assistance and links to many services, including Crown land consenting authorities, investment attraction, Skills Tasmania, our Government owned energy businesses (Hydro Tasmania and TasNetworks) and EPBC referral assistance at the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
Getting Started: Which Assessment Pathway?
The snapshot sheet below can help you work out which Tasmanian Government approvals and processes apply to your project. The case management team can also guide you on the most suitable option. We recommend you contact the relevant decision maker for further information about the processes.
By way of a guide, the options by technology are:
Suitable pathways | Level 2 Activity (Development Application & EPA Assessment Process) | Major Project |
|---|---|---|
Legislation | Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPCA) and Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 | Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 (LUPAA) |
Cost | $$$ (council dependent + EPA fee + TASCAT appeal costs (if appealed)) | $$$ (cost recovery model) |
Commencement | Proponent-led | Ministerial declaration |
Requirements | Relies on project-specific guidelines and statutory requirements in planning scheme | Relies on project-specific assessment criteria and Major Project requirements under LUPAA |
EPA involvement | Yes | Yes (advisory) |
Council involvement | Yes | No |
Decision-maker | Council + EPA (and TASCAT if appeal heard) | Expert panel appointed by Tasmanian Planning Commission |
Statutory timeframes | Partial | Partial |
Appeal rights | Yes | No (judicial review only) |
Bilateral coverage (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) | Yes | No (accreditation available on a project-by-project basis) |
Public consultation | Yes | Yes |
Public hearings | No | Yes |
Link to regulator website | ||
Link to overview of process | State Planning Office – Major Project Assessment Tasmanian Planning Commission – Major Project Process Flowchart |
Note: EPA refers to the Environment Protection Authority Tasmania. TASCAT refers to Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
| Suitable pathways | Level 1 Activity (Development Application) | Development Application & Referral to EPA Board Required |
|---|---|---|
| Legislation | Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 | Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 and Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 |
| Cost | $ (dependent on individual council’s payment schedule) | $$ (council dependent + EPA fee) |
| Commencement | Proponent-led | Initiated by council or EPA |
| Requirements | Statutory requirements set out in planning scheme | Relies on project-specific guidelines |
| EPA involvement | No | Yes |
| Council involvement | Yes | Yes |
| Decision-maker | Council | Council + EPA |
| Statutory timeframes | Yes | Partial |
| Appeal rights | Yes | Yes |
| Bilateral coverage (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) | No | Yes |
| Public consultation | Yes | Yes |
| Public hearings | No | No |
| Link to regulator website | Council dependent – see Local Government Association Tasmania website | Environment Protection Authority Tasmania – Business & Industry |
| Link to overview of process | Environment Protection Authority Tasmania – Assessment Process |
Note: EPA refers to the Environment Protection Authority Tasmania.
| Suitable pathways | Development Application & Referral to EPA Board Required | Major Project | Major Infrastructure Development Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legislation | Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 and Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 | Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 | Major Infrastructure Development Approvals Act 1999 |
| Cost | $$ (council dependent + EPA fee) | $$$ (cost recovery model) | $$$ (cost recovery model) |
| Commencement | Initiated by council or EPA | Ministerial declaration | Ministerial declaration with approval by both Houses of Parliament |
| Requirements | Relies on project-specific guidelines | Relies on project-specific assessment criteria and Major Project requirements under LUPAA | Relies on project-specific assessment criteria |
| EPA involvement | Yes | Yes (advisory role) | Sometimes |
| Council involvement | Yes | No | Sometimes |
| Decision-maker | Council + EPA | Expert panel appointed by Tasmanian Planning Commission | Combined planning authority of councils or Tasmanian Planning Commission |
| Statutory timeframes | Partial | Partial | Partial |
| Appeal rights | Yes | No (judicial review only) | No (judicial review only) |
| Bilateral coverage (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) | Yes | No (accreditation available on a project-by-project basis) | No (accreditation available on a project-by-project basis) |
| Public consultation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Public hearings | No | Yes | Yes |
| Link to regulator website | Tasmanian Planning Commission – Major Infrastructure Development Assessment | ||
| Link to overview of process | State Planning Office – Major Project Assessment Tasmanian Planning Commission – Major Project Process Flowchart | State Planning Office – Major Infrastructure Development |
Note: EPA refers to the Environment Protection Authority Tasmania.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Tasmania, there are multiple approval pathways available. The most suitable pathway for your project depends on the project type, size, site characteristics, and other factors. See the infographic table above for a summary of the key characteristics of each approval pathway, along with links to applicable fact sheets and flowcharts to help you understand the process. Further information can be found on the relevant regulator or decision-makers’ websites.
Each approval pathway has a different assessor and decision-maker. The tables above provides a summary of the assessors, regulators and decision makers for each approval pathway, along with other key characteristics.
ReCFIT provides a case management service to facilitate and coordinate renewable energy proponents’ interactions with government. Note that ReCFIT has no statutory role in the approvals process. During a statutory process, information should be sought and discussed directly with the relevant regulator/s. For more information about the case management service, including your project’s eligibility, see the top of this page.
Further information
- Case management terms and conditions
- Renewable Energy Coordination Framework
- Tasmanian Renewable Energy Target (TRET)
Guidelines for developers
- Guideline for Community Engagement, Benefit-Sharing and Local Procurement for Renewable Energy Developers – Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania
- Engagement and Consultation Checklist and Guide – Tasmanian Aboriginal Heritage Council
- Works Guidelines for Historic Heritage Places – Heritage Tasmania
- Crown Land Consent Guidelines – Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (available on request; please email policyteamnre@nre.tas.gov.au)
- Determination guidelines for major projects – Tasmanian Planning Commission
Information about assessment processes
- Assessment Process – Environment Protection Authority Tasmania
- Major projects – State Planning Office
- Flow Chart – Major Project Assessment Process – Tasmanian Planning Commission
- Major infrastructure development – State Planning Office
- Flow Chart – Major Infrastructure Development Approvals Process – Tasmanian Planning Commission
- Referrals and environmental assessments under the EPBC Act – Australian Government
Useful links
- Wind Farms – Environment Protection Authority Tasmania
- EPBC Act Public Portal – Guides and Resources – Australian Government
For investors
- Sector Opportunities – Renewable Energies – Office of the Coordinator-General
Get in touch
- For general enquiries or further information, please contact the case management team by emailing reap@recfit.tas.gov.au