Important work continues in protecting key environmental values while supporting sustainable development in our growing city.
Responding to a self-initiated Special Report by the former Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, the ACT Government has announced updates to multiple environment and planning commitments which go towards addressing matters raised in the report.
The Government is progressing considerable work on the establishment of an Urban Growth Boundary, and we have determined that the foundation of the boundary will be outlined in the future ACT Landscape Plan.
The Landscape Plan will take a long-term, strategic, spatial approach to urban growth while incorporating our nature conservation objectives across Canberra. The plan will also have a strong climate adaptation focus, alongside providing a strategic direction for urban heat mitigation.
Supported by Missing Middle reforms and a new Climate Change Strategy, the Government is building a pathway forward for sustainable development within our landscape, while ensuring a whole-of-government approach to protecting key environmental values and addressing climate change.
The Government is also consulting on a new Nature Conservation Strategy, which sets out a nature-positive and whole-of-landscape approach to caring for ACT's environment for the next decade. The strategy advances our approach to nature conservation, to support ecological recovery across the bush capital.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water Suzanne Orr:
"The Government is getting on with the key environmental priorities which Canberrans have been advocating for.
"The Landscape Plan, will unite and resolve the conflicts between environmental protection and urban development through holistic spatial mapping, identifying future areas suitable for conservation and development.
"By integrating the Urban Growth Boundary into our holistic planning, we are laying the foundation for a successful conservation approach, while delivering on our housing commitments to Canberra."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development Chris Steel:
"As our city grows, we need to protect our unique environment and landscape – that's why we're focusing on urban infill and gentle densification, rather than urban sprawl.
"This strategic landscape planning is about proactively protecting areas of environment value which is consistent with aims of the Samuel Review and will provide greater certainty across the planning system.
"We're committed to protecting our environment, while we plan for the future of our city and more housing. The ACT Landscape plan is crucial to maintaining Canberra's design as a 'city within a landscape'."
