The ACT has a new planning system.
Our city is growing and more people are living and working in the ACT. The new planning system can facilitate this growth without compromising the characteristics of the city that we value.
The system is focused on delivering outcomes for the residents of Canberra, providing some flexibility to encourage better buildings and public spaces for our community.
A training program for key representatives from industry, the community, and other users of the new system has been rolled out. There are also factsheets, guides and a list of frequently asked questions to help you.
Benefits of an outcomes based planning system
The new planning system is designed so that it benefits the community. It will make new housing in the ACT fit for purpose and improve the wellbeing of residents.
Good design sits at the heart of this. The new system will provide the framework for better designed housing that is closer to shops and services. There will also be more options to build better designed multi-unit housing and mixed use buildings. This will include more variety in size, types, look and feel, and green spaces.
Buildings will better fit into the character of their neighbourhoods. There will also be a greater focus on the benefits a building provides to the community. This is important because we know good housing and well-designed buildings provide more benefits to Canberrans. This includes:
- improved health and wellbeing
- buildings and homes that are fit for purpose, comfortable and usable
- increased accessibility and inclusion for residents
- housing that is enjoyed now and by future generations.
Key elements of the new planning system
The planning system at a glance
The new Planning Act
The new Planning Act legislation is the foundation of the new planning system. It sets the legal framework and processes, from planning new suburbs to new infill buildings and transforming our suburbs.
A new Territory Plan
The new Territory Plan outlines what developments can be built where. It guides developers through the planning process. It also gives the Territory Planning Authority the tools to assess and consider development applications
- District policies: Details the key assessment requirements and expected outcomes relevant to each specific district.
- Zone policies: Lists the types of developments that can be built in specific zones. It also lists what documentation is required for assessment to occur.
Introducing district strategies
District Strategies are a new element to the ACT’s planning system. 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
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.
- Housing Design Guide: This outlines ways developers will need to incorporate good design into denser housing. This includes elements such as apartment size and layout, private open spaces like balconies and natural ventilation.
- Urban Design Guide: This looks at the ways developers can incorporate good design into public areas. Examples include the outside public areas around the building, improved pedestrian access, trees and landscaping.
- Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design Guide: This looks at how new developments can help protect and improve biodiversity in their development’s design.
What we looked at
It had been 15 years since the last major review of the Territory Plan. The long-term aspirations for Canberra have evolved since then. They reflect:
- the importance of adapting to climate change
- important infrastructure needed to accommodate and service our growing population
- the need to provide greater housing choice and accessibility for Canberrans.
Together with the 2018 ACT Planning Strategy, this has shaped how best to approach planning in Canberra.
Through the ACT Planning System Review and Reform Project we undertook a 4-year review of our planning system. This review process allowed the government to put forward the most suitable planning system for our city. The project has included:
- surveys and workshops on spaces and places
- focus groups with the community
- a series of workshops with our stakeholders
- an 11-week consultation on the Planning Bill
- a 16-week consultation on the draft district strategies, draft Territory Plan and the initial outline of supporting design guidance.
Research and analysis were also conducted to a range of different planning systems in Australia and overseas. This made sure we got the balance right.
You can review the consultation process and see what we heard on the ACT Planning System Review and Reform Project YourSay page.
You can review the key policy updates and papers over the last 4 years in the project’s resources page.
Where are we now?
The new planning system is now live.
Comprehensive training was conducted in the lead up to the new system. This was for industry and community members who will use the new system.
There has been a steady release of supporting information, explainers and diagrams to help you get ready.
