Released 25/02/2020
Canberrans will be better consulted at the early stages of development proposals following a review of the way developers consult with the community.
The ACT Government’s new Pre-Development Application Community Consultation Guidelines put community feedback front and centre in early stages of the design process.
This allows developers to address community concerns and comments in the full development application lodged with the independent planning and land authority.
Developments are still also required to undergo public notification during the DA assessment process.
It’s crucial for local communities to be well consulted on developments in their area and we’ve found that early conversations can lead to better outcomes for everyone.
The guidelines have been reviewed after a year of operation, which found the process was successful and made a range of recommendations for further improvements.
This included expanding the types of development requiring pre-DA consultation to include estate development plans in established suburbs and to all developments required to be reviewed by the new National Capital Design Review Panel.
The guidelines work alongside a range of measures we’ve put in place for a more citizen-focussed planning system that delivers good planning outcomes.
The recommendations will be implemented in early 2020 through revised guidelines and changes to the Planning and Development Regulation 2008.
Quotes attributable to Ben Ponton, Director-General of the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate
“Implementing the recommendation to introduce a ‘charter of participation’ will help the community and developers have a better understanding of the role of pre-DA consultation so the community can focus on what it can influence and developers can gather the information they need.
“Better enforcing the developers’ documentation requirements will help ensure developers have effectively consulted with the community and responded to suggestions."
“The updated guidelines will include a range of innovative consultation tools to help developers reach a representative sample of the community and receive meaningful feedback."
“We will now also require a minimum consultation period of two weeks, but we expect longer consultation for larger and more complex developments so that all views can be heard.”
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases