Released 01/11/2025
The Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development has released a new statement of planning priorities to guide the Territory Planning Authority in implementing the Planning Strategy. The statement focuses on delivering Labor’s Government’s planning commitments to enable more housing where Canberrans want to live.
“The Government’s priority is to supply more homes in well-located areas close to transport, services and amenities,” said Minister Chris Steel.
“The actions in the statement reflect our housing commitments and details the reforms required to enable 30,000 new homes by 2030.”
The updated statement follows the introduction of the new planning system, and will guide the development significant updates to the Territory Plan to provide the backbone for more housing in the Territory for decades to come.
“Already the Government has brought forward a range of major amendments to the Territory Plan to ensure that the law supports more housing and sustainable growth within our existing urban footprint," said the Minister.
“A key priority is transport-oriented development, enabling more homes to be built near key light rail and rapid bus stops to support sustainable, walkable communities.
“More homes will also be supported in commercial centres and within walking distance of services, reinvigorating shopping centres across Canberra.
The supply of affordable community and public housing is a priority and will be supported through the development of inclusionary zoning policy in the ACT for the first time, recognising that the land available for release is finite.
“A key priority is also progressing the Construction Productivity Agenda to streamline planning and building regulations and processes in the ACT to ensure that new homes can be built sooner,” said Minister Steel.
“However, this comes with the expectation of the construction industry, that as they are given the opportunity to build more homes, these are built well, and consumers are protected.”
The Government will also proactively protect and enhance areas of environmental value by delivering Labor’s commitment to develop a landscape plan.
Priorities at a glance
- Plan for more housing near public transport stops
- Plan for more housing near commercial centres, reinvigorating shops
- Enable diverse housing choices and the 'missing middle'
- Support the delivery of social and affordable housing
- Prepare the housing supply and land release pipeline
- Plan Canberra’s future employment areas
- Support community needs across the ACT
- Protect the environment and enhance the city’s landscape
The release of the new statement of planning priorities follows significant Major Plan Amendments currently under consideration. This includes the Missing Middle Housing Reforms', the Northern Gateway Draft Plan Amendment and Thoroughbred Park precinct plan amendments.
To view the full statement of planning priorities, visit: ACT Minister for Planning - Statement of Planning Priorities.
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Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases