Released 25/10/2023
The ACT Government is strengthening its regulatory functions to support attention to compliance with the Territory’s new planning system. This will support the intention of the new planning system of delivering improved urban and community outcomes.
Access Canberra and the Conservator of Flora and Fauna will receive additional resourcing to reflect a government focus on regulatory responsibilities under the Planning Act 2023 and new Territory Plan.
The new outcomes-focused planning system identifies the desired outcomes for development and communities so that Canberra continues to grow in a sustainable way and remains a great place to live.
A focused capability to support planning compliance outcomes will be added to Access Canberra. These additional resources will enable greater regulatory compliance, including targeted audits of:
- building approvals for exempt developments with a focus on alignment with the new Planning Act’s objectives; and
- approved and exempt developments and compliance with the new Territory Plan.
In addition, the Environment Protection Authority will receive extra resources to support the assessment of new development applications to ensure that our community and the environment are protected as our city grows and develops.
The Conservator of Flora and Fauna will also receive additional staff to review development proposals against the new Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design Guidelines. These guidelines have been prepared under the ACT Government’s Connecting Nature Connecting People 2022-23 budget initiative to support the movement of species to the broader landscape (known as 'ecological connectivity'), enrich and build the resilience of urban biodiversity, and enhance our community's connection to nature.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman:
“As the ACT moves to an outcomes-focused planning system, there will be a stronger emphasis on well designed and well-integrated buildings and urban spaces that positively impact the wellbeing and liveability of communities.
“The reformed planning system will require new proposals for developments and buildings around Canberra to consider the assessment outcomes in the Territory Plan and relevant Design Guides. It’s important that there is an effective and proactive regulatory system in place to strengthen and protect these outcomes.
“We will continue to work with industry on an education-first approach providing advice on requirements and changes in the planning system to support compliance and the delivery of improved development outcomes for the community."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Business and Better Regulation Tara Cheyne:
“Access Canberra plays an important role in managing building and planning complaints and monitoring compliance with our planning requirements.
“Additional compliance officers will strengthen Access Canberra’s regulatory response, enabling more proactive compliance from builders and developers.
“Access Canberra will continue to hold builders and developers to account. These resources will ensure the outcomes we have sought through the planning reforms are delivered on the ground.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment Rebecca Vassarotti:
“Enhanced funding for enforcement staff within the Environmental Protection Agency and the Office of the Conservator of Flora and Fauna will be vital to ensure the effective safeguarding of our environment as outlined in the new Territory Plan.
“We need more homes in Canberra, and we can deliver them without pitting housing density against the environment. Stronger protection of our local environment is crucial is an important step. This funding is the first step in ensuring the new Territory Plan conserves the natural environment while delivering a beautiful, livable environment for Canberrans. The new Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design Guidelines will help protect, connect and restore nature corridors across our city.
“Canberrans should be confident that these additional resources within the ACT Government will mean that builders and developers are delivering building and places that comply with and align with the requirements of the incoming planning system.”
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Tara Cheyne, MLA | Rebecca Vassarotti, MLA | Media Releases