The ACT Government has announced it will enhance its ability to enforce regulations in order to ensure that the ACT’s new planning system is followed. Ministers say this will help to achieve the goals of the new planning system, which include better urban and community development outcomes.

“As the ACT moves to an outcomes-focused planning system, there will be a stronger emphasis on well designed and well-integrated buildings and urban spaces that positively impact the wellbeing and liveability of communities,” Mick Gentleman, ACT Minister for Planning and Land Management, said.

“The reformed planning system will require new proposals for developments and buildings around Canberra to consider the assessment outcomes in the Territory Plan and relevant Design Guides. It’s important that there is an effective and proactive regulatory system in place to strengthen and protect these outcomes.

“We will continue to work with industry on an education-first approach providing advice on requirements and changes in the planning system to support compliance and the delivery of improved development outcomes for the community.”

Access Canberra and the Conservator of Flora and Fauna will receive more money as the government prioritises regulation under the Planning Act 2023 and the new Territory Plan.

“The new outcomes-focused planning system identifies the desired outcomes for development and communities so that Canberra continues to grow in a sustainable way and remains a great place to live,” ministers say.

Access Canberra will have more capability to ensure adherence to planning regulations. This includes audits of:

• building approvals for exempt developments, to align them with the new Planning Act’s objectives; and
• approved and exempt developments to ensure they comply with the new Territory Plan.

“Access Canberra plays an important role in managing building and planning complaints and monitoring compliance with our planning requirements,” Tara Cheyne, ACT Minister for Business and Better Regulation, said.

“Additional compliance officers will strengthen Access Canberra’s regulatory response, enabling more proactive compliance from builders and developers.

“Access Canberra will continue to hold builders and developers to account. These resources will ensure the outcomes we have sought through the planning reforms are delivered on the ground.”

In addition, the Environment Protection Authority will receive extra resources to assess new development applications to protect the community and the environment as the city grows and develops.

The Conservator of Flora and Fauna will have more staff to review development proposals against the new Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design Guidelines. These guidelines were created as part of the ACT Government’s Connecting Nature Connecting People 2022-23 budget initiative. Their purpose is to facilitate the movement of species within the broader landscape (known as ‘ecological connectivity’), strengthen and enhance urban biodiversity, and enhance the community’s connection to nature.

“Enhanced funding for enforcement staff within the Environmental Protection Agency and the Office of the Conservator of Flora and Fauna will be vital to ensure the effective safeguarding of our environment as outlined in the new Territory Plan,” Rebecca Vassarotti, ACT Minister for the Environment, said.

“We need more homes in Canberra, and we can deliver them without pitting housing density against the environment. Stronger protection of our local environment is crucial is an important step.  This funding is the first step in ensuring the new Territory Plan conserves the natural environment while delivering a beautiful, liveable environment for Canberrans. The new Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design Guidelines will help protect, connect, and restore nature corridors across our city. 

“Canberrans should be confident that these additional resources within the ACT Government will mean that builders and developers are delivering building and places that comply with and align with the requirements of the incoming planning system.”