Proposed planning changes must deliver better planning outcomes

Proposed planning changes must deliver better planning outcomesProposed changes to the National Capital Plan must deliver better planning outcomes for Canberra, says the Property Council of Australia.The Australian Government has agreed to a proposal to limit the National Capital Authority’s (NCA’s) planning power in parts of Canberra.The Government has said the proposed changes, which would curtail the NCA’s control over the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee River corridors, Namadgi National Park and the Tuggeranong Valley, would streamline planning and cut red tape.”While we welcome any decision which removes unnecessary duplication, any changes to the National Capital Plan must ensure that the world-class outcomes currently being achieved by the National Capital Authority can be delivered by the ACT Government,” says the Property Council’s Executive Director ACT, Catherine Carter.”The NCA planning assessment process is far more streamlined and more efficient than that currently managed by the ACT Government’s Environment & Planning Directorate. As a result, the NCA has delivered demonstrably superior outcomes, such as the internationally-acclaimed and award-winning NewActon precinct,” Ms Carter explains.This is the first review of the National Capital Plan since it was developed in 1988. The NCA administers the Plan on behalf of the Australian Government, and has prepared an Exposure Draft of a revised Plan, which will be presented to the ACT Government and the community for consultation.”Should this change proceed, it will be essential that we retain the level of skills and expertise currently on offer within the NCA – and for the ACT Government to lift its game to achieve the world-class planning outcomes Canberrans need and deserve,” Ms Carter concludes.Media contact: Catherine Carter |M 0412 330 079|P 02 6248 6602