ACT launches a new planning system

The ACT government’s updated City Plan and City Centre Urban Design Guide have also been released this week to guide development and design in Canberra’s city centre.

“We know the ACT will grow substantially over the coming decades,” stated Mick Gentleman, Minister for Planning and Land Management. “The new planning system allows us to plan for this growth in a measured and sustainable way.”

By 2050, the ACT will require 100,000 new dwellings to meet demand according to current population growth forecasts.

Mr Gentleman stated that the new Planning Act “will mean Canberrans have the services and infrastructure they need now and into the future”.

The new Planning Act will provide the legal foundation for a brand-new Canberra planning system that the government claims will pay greater attention to the ways in which developments impact surrounding communities.

A new addition to the ACT planning system are “District Strategies”, which divide Canberra into nine districts and identify specific growth strategies for each.

The new Planning Act and Territory Plan also reflect growing concern about climate change and biodiversity by centring sustainability in guidelines.

“The new planning system is a once in a generation change that will deliver on our recommitted Planning Strategy, guiding our growth and prosperity into the future,” said Mr Gentleman.

He added: “The new planning system recognises the importance of protecting the many defining characteristics of our city that we value so much, such as our green space, while supporting infill and intensification locations to achieve a more sustainable and liveable city.”

In anticipation of the confusion that could arise during the transition, the ACT government has rolled out training programs across the planning sector.

“Community and industry training programs on the new planning system have been occurring since September,” stated Mr Gentleman. “This training helps the community to familiarise themselves with the changes that affect them to help positively shape Canberra.”

“To date we have seen over 2,000 people attend training sessions,” he shared.

The ACT government confirmed that development applications submitted under the previous planning system will continue to be assessed in accordance with the laws valid at the time of lodgement.