The Planning Act 2023 sets the legal foundation for a modern planning system that has been adapted in the face of the predicted growth Canberra will see over the coming decades.
We want to see well designed and well-integrated buildings and urban spaces. These will positively impact the wellbeing and liveability of the communities they will be built in.
It’s not about removing rules and protections. It’s about making proponents consider those aspects, alongside the protections and limits.
The main changes:
- a balance of rules with better outcomes that enhance liveability, prosperity, and wellbeing
- Introduction of new ‘principles of good planning’ and Planning (Good Consultation) Guidelines 2023 (No 1)
- expanded strategic planning in the ACT, including through district strategies
- expanded scope of the planning system so it is modern. It also reflects other areas of government policy like climate change, wellbeing and environmental policies
- expanded functions of the Territory Planning Authority (formerly known as the ACT Planning and Land Authority)
- establishment of a new, outcomes-focused Territory Plan
- introduction of a more efficient Territory Plan amendment process
- changes to the development assessment system
- Introduction of pre-decision advice on development applications (DAs)
- Introduction of new processes for applications deemed to be a 'Territory Priority Project'
- improved transparency and access to information on planning processes and decisions.
