New residential developments in Canberra must have more trees and green space, if a proposed variation to the ACT Territory Plan goes ahead.
Developers and builders will need to include more trees, bigger backyards, and green spaces for all new developments, ensuring that as Canberra grows, it remains sustainable and retains its ‘Bush Capital’ character, said Mick Gentleman, ACT Minister for Planning and Land Management.
“These proposed changes mean Canberra will be even greener,” Mr Gentleman explained. The changes also responded to concerns that big houses lacking green space were heating the city.
The variation will be referred to the Standing Committee on Planning, Transport and City Services this week. Pending the Committee’s decision, the ACT Government plans to introduce these changes next year.
Currently, ACT residential landowners are not required to have tree canopy cover on their block. These proposed changes will introduce a new site coverage requirement for single dwellings and multi-unit development in residential areas, and require at least 20 per cent tree canopy coverage for multi-unit development in higher density developments.
The proposed changes will also increase the amount of green space on residential blocks by updating the definition of ‘planting area’ to exclude patios and swimming pools. The amount of planting area required will also be increased.
The ACT Government will next look at introducing tree planting and green space requirements in the Estate Development Code and for residential buildings in Commercial Zones. This is anticipated as part of the new Territory Plan delivered under the Planning System Review and Reform Project.
Rebecca Vassarotti, ACT Minister for the Environment, said that this draft variation would deliver on key actions outlined in the ACT Government’s Living Infrastructure Plan.
“Planning is one way we can influence how our bush capital develops,” Ms Vassaroti said. “Draft Variation 369 will significantly strengthen the contribution that residential developments make to tree canopy, green infrastructure, and reducing the impacts of climate change.
“These changes respond to community feedback that living infrastructure should be embedded across private and public land. They will see improved urban tree coverage and green spaces across our city that will reduce urban heat [and] increase our natural biodiversity. They specify site footprints on each residential block type to ensure there is sufficient soil and green space, and that trees are planted and will be able to thrive.
“Canberra’s Living Infrastructure Plan, released in 2019, included actions to help the government plan, design, construct, and manage our city in a way that values, incorporates, and protects natural assets.
“These changes are just one step the government is taking to meet the 2045 targets set out in Canberra’s Living Infrastructure Plan relating to tree canopy cover and permeable surfaces. DV369 and other planning reforms are complemented by the Government’s ongoing work to implement the Urban Forest Strategy, including significant legislative reform. This will ensure that living infrastructure is embedded across our city and that we reach our 30 per cent canopy cover target by 2045.”
You can find out more information on DV369 Living Infrastructure in Residential Zones on the ACT Government’s Planning website.
