Following over 4 years of consultation, the ACT Government has released the key elements of the territory’s new planning system.

Thank you for your contribution over this time. The new planning system will help shape Canberra and deliver better outcomes for the community.

The reforms and particularly the new Territory Plan place a stronger emphasis on new developments being well designed, with improvements on design elements such as apartment sizes, ventilation, landscaping and the ability for the community to use areas accessible to the public.

It will also require new proposals for developments and buildings around Canberra to consider their surrounding areas and the community’s values.

These key elements include:

A new Planning Act: Legislation enacted in June that sets the foundation of the new system and the legal framework.

A new Territory Plan: Outlines what developments can be built where. It guides developers through the planning process and give the Territory Planning Authority the tools to access and consider development applications.

Introducing District Strategies: There are nine districts within Canberra and each one has their own strategy. The strategies help direct forecasted growth to areas of Canberra that are best suited for it. They also outline what future services, transport and infrastructure is needed in those areas.

Three design guides for proponents and assessors: These guides show developers what they need to consider and respond to when designing their buildings. They show examples and methods of good design and list the considerations for developments across Canberra.

You can find more information about the new system and the finalised documents on the ACT Government’s Planning website.

We have also released our detailed consultation report that outlines what we heard during the most recent round of consultation and the government’s response to this.