Released 01/11/2022
Today the ACT Government released drafts of a new Territory Plan and a series of District Planning Strategies for community consultation as part of its Planning System Review and Reform Project.
Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said promises made to Canberrans outlined a planning system that is easier to use and tackles the challenges of a growing population and a warming climate.
“These draft District Planning Strategies and Territory Plan, along with the Bill we introduced in September, will deliver what we promised,” Minister Gentleman said.
“District Strategies are a new layer in the ACT’s planning system that will guide growth and change at a local level according to the unique characteristics of each district. We know, for example, the employment and education needs in Tuggeranong differ from those in Belconnen, just like the environmental and cultural assets in the Inner North are different from those in the Molonglo Valley.
“The draft new Territory Plan we have put forward for community consideration moves away from enforcing compliance with rules about what can be built and where. Instead, it focuses on considering building development and land use proposals based on important community, environmental, cultural and economic outcomes.
“This is an exciting time for planning in the ACT. These draft District Planning Strategies and draft Territory Plan represent a progressive approach to managing development and land use. The outcomes of our Planning System Review and Reform Project will mean real change for Canberrans, and change that will see a better connected, more sustainable and liveable city.
“We are asking for community feedback on these documents, which will be used to shape the new planning system. We are planning for the future of our city, and it is vital Canberrans have their say.
“The ACT Government will be running a range of consultation sessions in every district in the coming month and early in the new year. If you can’t make it to one of the sessions, I encourage you to view the information online and share your thoughts via the YourSay webpage,” Minister Gentleman said.
To view the draft District Planning Strategies and the draft new Territory Plan, visit the Planning Reform YourSay page.
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Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases