Planning at a district level bridges the gap between ACT-wide and local area planning and provides an opportunity to build on our existing master plans to deliver the vision of the ACT Planning Strategy 2018. A district planning approach is the vehicle to develop policy, achieve coordination and to implement action at a district scale, allowing for managing growth and change strategically within and between districts. It also provides an opportunity to understand and value the distinctive characters and the strengths and desired future directions of our districts.
Character is what makes our districts distinctive. It is created by a combination of the people who live and work within the district, the travel patterns, land, public and private spaces and how they interact to make a distinctive character and identity as our districts grow and change.
The development of district plans will identify the defining features of each district, explore what it is that sets them apart from one another and help shape resilient and strong individual districts in the ACT that together deliver a range of lifestyle choices for current and future Canberrans. The districts of Belconnen, Gungahlin, Molonglo Valley, North Canberra, South Canberra, Tuggeranong, Weston Creek and Woden Valley have been identified for district plans as there is potential for these districts to undergo the most change over the next 27years. Other districts may be considered in the future, as necessary.
The following pages show key demographic and spatial features for each of these districts and how each district has a distinctive character.
The district plans will be developed by listening to and learning from people with a vast range of expertise and interests. This includes government staff, social and environmental peak groups, cross border and regional stakeholders, business and industry groups, community groups, young people, culturally and linguistically diverse people and, importantly, the wider community.