Page 4586 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 26 November 2019
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The Assembly will recall that the ACT planning strategy was released in December 2018, and this progressive and comprehensive government policy was shaped by significant community consultation. It demonstrates what we can achieve when government and the community work together. Importantly, the strategy’s key directions are now guiding the ACT planning review to deliver a clear, contemporary and accessible planning system.
If Canberra simply keeps expanding outwards it will put increasing pressure on the valued natural resources that surround the city—our bushland and our grasslands and the ecosystems they support. Continued urban sprawl would increase travel distances, transport-related carbon emissions and infrastructure servicing costs. The planning strategy strikes the right balance between planning for our city’s growth and protecting the unique character and amenity of our suburbs and bushland surroundings. This is something people told us was important during the consultation.
By marking out appropriate areas for infill development along transport corridors and close to town and group centres, the strategy plans for a broad spectrum of housing options. In particular, it plans for the missing middle—homes for people seeking something between large, freestanding homes and an apartment. We know that more Canberrans are choosing to stay in this city in their retirement and that one-person households are on the rise.
People told us they are looking to downsize, and we need to ensure that our growth caters for people who want to age in place. Supporting well-planned growth that is matched with community facilities means that we can better provide for diverse and affordable housing options in a well-connected and accessible neighbourhood.
Consideration of opportunities for future greenfield development around our existing urban area included proximity to existing urban areas, jobs and services, environmental qualities and transport connections. Creating and supporting a livable city is fundamental for future success and in attracting and retaining the ACT’s important resource—its people.
Livable places combine well-designed built environments with economic prosperity and social connections and opportunities. They enable people to live healthy lifestyles, provide easy access and afford a wide range of facilities and services. The key to success will be maintaining and enhancing the good bones of our city and protecting the landscape character, heritage values and lifestyle offering that Canberrans value so greatly.
The planning strategy is full of great ideas for our city that were thought through carefully and were shaped by innovative community engagement. I am very proud that the ACT Planning Institute of Australia commended the strategy as the best planning ideas, large project category, at the institute’s annual awards for planning excellence.
I thank EPSDD for the incredible work they have done over a number of years in ensuring that we have a future in the ACT and are able to live in an environment that
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