In response to the fast-paced growth of Canberra, the ACT Government have proposed reforms to the Territory’s existing planning system and are seeking feedback on a new draft Planning Bill.

ACT Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentleman, is fronting the draft Planning Bill, and said the government is committed to “putting people at the heart” of the planning decisions.

“The draft Planning Bill has been developed in consultation with community and industry stakeholders – including targeted engagement throughout 2021 – to discuss and test key policy issues within the legislation,” Mr Gentleman said.

“With public consultation on the draft Bill open for three months, we want to capture feedback from the community and industry more widely on the proposed policy positions.

“The draft Bill proposes key changes to the planning system set up under the existing Planning and Development Act 2007 while retaining the features that have worked well under the current system.”

The planning minister said Canberrans now can “make comment” or “influence” the decision process.

“Clear provisions for achieving these outcomes in the Bill will support a reformed planning system that encourages the right type of investment and development, rather than impose barriers,” he said.

Director-General of the ACT’s Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) and Chief Planning Executive, Ben Ponton, said a key point is the recognition of Ngunnawal people for the first time in planning legislation.

“We have had conversations with the Dhawura Caring for Country Committee to advise on a range of matters. We’ve also engaged with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elected body,” Mr Ponton said.

“Importantly, we will continue to have those conversations, not only as the Bill is progressed but as we move into the next phase of developing the new Territory Plan and district strategies.”

Mr Ponton said the draft Bill seeks to benefit everyday Canberrans in how they move through the city, as the objective is to evaluate how buildings fit within suburbs and streets.

“From my perspective, the main concern that I’ve held for some time and discussed with the Minister and that I’ve heard from industry, community and professional associations is that the current system, by its very structure, is very rigid,” Mr Ponton said.

President of the ACT chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, Jane Cassidy, said these reforms are a “once in a generation opportunity”.

“Canberra is a fast-growing city, and we need a fit-for-purpose planning system that puts people first through a strong focus on great design. Our preliminary review of the consultation materials provided by government is encouraging,” Ms Cassidy said.

“We will, however, be seeking further information on exactly how the new planning system will facilitate good design in practice. As with all such reform, the details are critically important, and we look forward to working through these with government over the coming months.

“It is vitally important that professional associations advocating in the public interest have meaningful input during the consultation period, alongside the broader community consultation. The switch from a rules-based system to an outcomes-focused approach must not come at the expense of good design or the best interests of the community.”

Master Builders ACT (MBA) also welcomed the release of the draft Planning Bill for industry comment.

MBA CEO, Michael Hopkins, said the review is a “rare opportunity” for the Canberra community to have input into the planning controls of their city.

“The most important thing the ACT Government can do now is to create stable and supportive policy settings which assist local building and construction businesses to recover in the post-COVID economy,” he said.

“During the public consultation period, the MBA will work closely with the ACT Government and our members to provide input into key elements of the draft Planning Bill which impact the building and construction industry.”

The draft Planning Bill is now available for public consultation through the Planning System Review and Reform until Wednesday 15 June.

Have your say on the draft Planning Bill at yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/act-planning-system-review-and-reform

Canberra Daily would love to hear from you about a story idea in the Canberra and surrounding region. Click here to submit a news tip.