Changes to National Capital Plan

Changes to National Capital PlanA review of the National Capital Plan aims to streamline planning and cut red tape, a move cautiously welcomed by Canberra’s property industry.The Australian Government proposes to limit the National Capital Authority’s (NCA’s) planning power in parts of Canberra.The proposed changes would curtail the NCA’s control over the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee River corridors, Namadgi National Park and the Tuggeranong Valley.Senator for the ACT, Zed Seselja, a long-term advocate for the reforms, has welcomed the proposed changes, which he says represent a” common sense approach” that will allow the ACT Government to “get on with day-to-day planning for Canberra’s long-term growth and economic development”.The Property Council has said that any proposed changes must deliver better planning outcomes for Canberra.”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 NCA can be delivered by the ACT Government,” says the Property Council’s executive director ACT, Catherine Carter.Carter argues that the NCA planning assessment process is 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.”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.”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.