Canberrans will have access to more housing choices following ACT Government reforms to the Territory planning system.
The Government has released updated district strategies, the new Territory Plan and new design guides that will support more housing while retaining planning and design elements that have made Canberra one of the most liveable cities in the world.
The new Territory Plan proposes changes to the Residential Zone 1 (RZ1) that will allow dual-occupancy developments on large blocks. Any block over 800 square metres in an RZ1 zone will be able to accommodate a modest second dwelling, up to 120sqm in size, and be able to unit title that second dwelling.
Importantly, requirements will be enforced on these new developments, such as the mandatory site coverage provision and the requirement for soft landscaping and tree planting.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr confirmed the new planning documents reflect the Government's commitment to the National Housing Accord and the National Planning Reform Blueprint agreed by all States and Territories at National Cabinet.
"All Australian Governments agree that housing supply needs to increase to improve affordability. Increasing supply will lead to lower rents and more affordable home purchases," Chief Minister Barr said.
"We have recently increased housing supply in existing suburbs through the Mr Fluffy buyback scheme. This experience demonstrated that, with the right protections in place, suitable housing can be built in existing suburbs, close to existing services and where people want to live."
"The ACT is using a combination of planning reforms, new suburban land release and tax reforms to increase housing supply and improve affordability."
Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said the ACT's new planning documents have incorporated significant feedback received from the community through the consultation.
"We have worked with the community and industry professionals over the last few years to make sure we have a modern planning system that supports Canberra's growth," Minister Gentleman said.
"We listened to and considered all the feedback we received, and these documents strike the balance with the range of views we've heard across Canberra, best practice and planning for growth and sustainability. We have listened to feedback and concerns regarding new housing – particularly infill developments.
"As one of the fastest growing jurisdictions in Australia, more people will be living in the ACT each year. The changes to the planning system set us up well to accommodate this growth while enhancing and protecting the aspects we value most, such as access to services, infrastructure, and natural spaces that contribute to connected communities.
"The district strategies provide a basis to plan for future growth and identify what is needed to support and deliver that change, making sure we maintain the characteristics of districts and the territory, that make Canberra such an attractive place to live.
"The new Territory Plan and design guides sets the outcomes that developments must achieve. Development applications will need to demonstrate how new developments meet the assessment outcomes in the Territory Plan, and on specific development types, show they respond to the design guidance set out in the design guides.
"The new planning system is expected to commence on 27 November 2023 after the Territory Plan has been approved by the Legislative Assembly.
"We are releasing these final documents now so the community and industry can familiarise themselves with the new system and begin the transition," Minister Gentleman said.
A training and education program will be rolled out over the coming months with key representatives from industry, the community, and other users of the new system.
