Page 863 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 18 March 2015
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The statement of planning intent, while a relatively short document, will be an important document for Canberra. It will build on current ACT government policies and strategies and recognise the main contemporary challenges for our city. The statement must be taken into account by the Environment and Planning Directorate in performing its planning duties. In preparing the new statement, there is an opportunity to underscore what has been achieved to date and to highlight planning priorities to maintain momentum and shared commitment to the desired future of our city.
The new statement of planning intent is an opportunity to create pathways for innovation in other parts of the city or to increase the livability, sustainability and prosperity of the city. Recent planning success stories are the urban renewal of Braddon and the Kingston foreshore and New Acton areas. These are exciting types of active mixed use development precincts that I would like to see in other parts of our city as well.
The new suburb of Crace in Gungahlin demonstrates successfully the role of planning in building active, healthy and inclusive communities. A neighbourhood design with active streets, well-connected paths, open spaces and community facilities has been at the forefront of planning. The social infrastructure in Crace is complemented by a diverse range of housing options for young and old.
A denser urban core next to local shops and restaurants showcases well-designed townhouses, apartments and a retirement village in addition to suburban homes. The planning and design of Crace supports various community activities and lifestyles and results in lively local shops and public spaces.
Crace is a great example of space where a community and recreation facilities are provided for the benefit of everyone in the community. EPD continues to assess the demand for community facilities in new development areas, along with existing areas that may be subject to urban densification, to ensure that adequate space is maintained for these facilities into the future.
Of course, this brings me to projects that are being developed to build communities in central Canberra within the context of the city plan that was released last year. The plan sets a vision for future development in the city centre and a framework towards 2030 and beyond. The city plan is consistent with the ACT planning strategy and most certainly will contribute to urban consolidation, sustainability and strong connected communities.
Several projects are being developed as part of the city plan, including city to the lake, capital metro, planning for the Northbourne Avenue corridor and, of course, Constitution Avenue. The planning portfolio is currently progressing the city plan implementation through the city and Northbourne Avenue urban design framework study.
The ACT planning strategy also calls for master plans to be prepared. We heard some discussion about Oaks Estate earlier today. Master plans respond to the place-specific needs of the Canberra community. They will ensure that Canberra remains a city
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