A new planning system that focuses on liveability, prosperity and the wellbeing of all Canberrans is the aim of a new draft Planning Bill released today for community comment.
The ACT Government is committed to putting people at the heart of planning decisions by making the planning system accessible and easy to navigate, said Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman.
"The draft Planning Bill has been developed in consultation with community and industry stakeholders – including targeted engagement throughout 2021 – to discuss and test key policy issues within the legislation," Minister Gentleman said.
"With public consultation on the draft Bill open for three months, we want to capture feedback from the community and industry more widely on the proposed policy positions.
"The draft Bill proposes key changes to the planning system set up under the existing Planning and Development Act 2007 while retaining the features that have worked well under the current system."
The new Planning Act will give effect to the key policy directions that were outlined in the review phase of the Planning System Review and Reform Project. It will set the framework for a simpler planning system that's focused on outcomes rather than prescriptive development rules.
The draft Bill marks the start of the next stage in the project, shifting from 'review' to 'reform' phases of work.
"Clear provisions for achieving these outcomes in the Bill will support a reformed planning system that encourages the right type of investment and development, rather than impose barriers," Minister Gentleman said.
The draft Bill is available for public consultation through the Planning System Review and Reform YourSay Page for three months from 16 March to Wednesday 15 June 2022.
