Changes to the ACT's planning system — touted as the most significant since the introduction of self-government — have today been released for community consultation.
In announcing the new Territory Plan and District Planning Strategies, the ACT government said the changes sought to balance community expectations about maintaining the character of some areas while meeting the demand for densification in town and group centres.
The new guidelines are part of the government's wider proposed planning reforms that will also remove controversial "call in" powers for the planning minister — who will instead be able to determine "territory priority projects" which would accelerate development application (DA) processes.
ACT Planning Minister Mick Gentleman said the changes would make the planning system easier to use and address the challenges of a growing population and climate change.
"I think decisions will be quicker and, of course, we do need to address our housing shortage," he said.
"The draft new Territory Plan we have put forward for community consideration moves away from enforcing compliance with rules about what can be built and where.
"Instead, it focuses on considering building development and land use proposals based on important community, environmental, cultural and economic outcomes."
Despite the simplification of the plan, the District Planning Strategies add another layer to the system, which Mr Gentleman said would help guide change at a local level, taking into account the unique character of each district.
"We know, for example, the employment and education needs in Tuggeranong differ from those in Belconnen, just like the environmental and cultural assets in the inner north are different from those in the Molonglo Valley," he said.
Identified 'change areas'
The District Planning Strategies identify key "drivers" as a focus for development including the natural environment, as well as areas for more economic activity, employment opportunities and places that are suitable for new residential development.
"Change areas" have also been identified in each district where "proposed, potential and possible" development and change may take place in Canberra.
In Tuggeranong for instance, the town centre and Wanniassa group centre have been flagged as places for change. In the north, Thoroughbred Park has also been identified as a key development site.
Chief Planner Ben Ponton added that the new Territory Plan also encouraged active travel and detailed requirements for electric vehicle charging stations, with the possibility parking for gas-guzzlers in some town centres could be reduced.
"This is about lifting our heads up, if you will, and not just focusing on 'what is the height?', 'what is the setback?' ... but focusing on how that development can contribute to the wellbeing of the Canberra community," he said.
"I think today is a very exciting day for planning in the ACT."
Open for community feedback
Canberra construction industry body Master Builders ACT warned that the window for community feedback was taking place over a busy period for the industry and included the Christmas shut-down period.
Chief executive Michael Hopkins said there would also need to be further changes to planning laws and community expectations for the new plans' vision to be realised.
"As we move into much tougher economic conditions across Australia, the real test for the Territory Plan is whether it can encourage sufficient private sector investment to deliver a sustainable future for the ACT," Mr Hopkins said.
"Last week's announcement of a national Housing Accord has given the ACT a fantastic opportunity to support the delivery of a share of 200,000 sustainable dwellings per year.
"The ACT government envisages that the majority of these dwellings will occur in the existing urban footprint. This will require a paradigm shift in planning rules, community attitudes and design and building quality if this vision is to be successfully delivered."
Mr Hopkins said the new plan must also deliver the required community, commercial and industrial infrastructure support to the ACT community.
"None of these ideals will be delivered as long as anyone can appeal to the ACT Civil & Administrative Tribunal for a few hundred dollars and hold up innovative development proposals for years," he said.
The new Territory Plan and District Planning Strategies are available for feedback on the ACT government's YourSay website.
