Inner South community engagement for Manuka


Released 30/07/2019

As part of the review into the Territory’s planning system, community groups and organisations discussed area-based planning values and opportunities for further consultation for Manuka and Canberra’s Inner South at a stakeholder panel session held last night.

Stakeholders included resident groups, businesses, schools and community organisations who considered how the community in this area could be consulted on the ACT Planning Review and identified planning matters that are important to the community of the inner south.

“As part of the review into the system I have made a commitment to hear from local voices on what matters most to them and what they value about their area. Last night’s session was a great example of how we are continuing to gather information from groups on how we can better consider their values in the planning system,” ACT Chief Planner, Ben Ponton, said today.

“Engaging with passionate members of the community about their local area is one of the best ways to understand what we need to include in the ACT Planning Review. By inviting a range of stakeholders from school children to local business owners and residents we were able to gain a diverse range of feedback through the session,” Mr Ponton said.

“The activities for last night’s panel were designed with this in mind and enabled the Directorate to gain valuable insight into what is important to people. This information will help us to inform how district level planning could be approached in the planning system, which is currently under review.

“The session was undertaken following a 2016 commitment to convene a panel to inform the development of the Manuka Oval precinct.  While improvements to Manuka Oval haves progressed since 2016, it remains relevant to understand what is important and valued in areas such as the Inner South so that we can apply modern planning approaches. Having this recent conversation informs the current review of the planning system and reinforces my commitment to meaningful and relevant community engagement on planning matters.

“We will listen carefully to the values and considerations raised as we continue conversations with communities throughout Canberra to inform the ACT Planning Review and move towards a more outcomes-based planning system.”

- Statement ends -

ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate | Media Releases

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