Fears Tasmanian building boom will worsen traffic congestion unless planning laws change ThuThursday 18 updated ThuThursday 18 FebFebruary 2021 at 10:01pm Kali Bean's daily commute has slowed down now traffic congestion has returned to pre-COVID levels. ( Share Print text only Cancel Last year's COVID lockdown provided a welcome respite from traffic congestion for Blackman's Bay resident Kali Bean. Key points: Tasmania is in the midst of a housing construction boom, with dwelling approvals almost doubling in 2020 Planning experts fear housing developments on urban fringes will leave residents car-dependent Local councils say planning laws could be amended to encourage new transport solutions But as restrictions eased and traffic congestion returned to pre-COVID levels in Tasmanian cities, she once again faced a slow daily commute to drop her kids off at school and get to work in the Hobart CBD.