2023-06-01
The ACT Greens will put forward amendments to the Planning Bill to strengthen environmental protections, improve community consultation and boost housing affordability across the Territory.
“Our planning system shapes the future of our city and touches the life of every Canberran,” said Jo Clay MLA, ACT Greens Spokesperson for Planning.
“Canberrans want and need a climate-resilient city that provides affordable housing and access to transport. Canberrans also understand that we must protect our environment as our city grows.”
“We are in an extinction crisis. Environmental Impact Statements must be robust. We need biodiversity protection and clear links to local environmental legislation. We must maintain third party appeal rights in greenfields areas.
“Our climate crisis means we need to plan our Territory in a way that directly reduces emissions, rather than relying on ‘net zero’ targets. New development must also prioritise access to public and active transport.
“We need affordable housing, not just more housing.
“Those directly affected by development need early and direct consultation. They should also be empowered to act where development does not comply with the rules.
“The declaration of a Territory Priority Project is a major decision. Once declared, that project cannot be appealed on its merits. There must be sufficient community consultation and political accountability.
In addition to negotiating amendments to the Planning Bill, Ms Clay is pleased to welcome the announcement of a governance review into the system.
“Many community members have raised concerns about governance,” said Ms Clay. “The new system must restore trust in our development framework. The ACT Greens have backed community calls and asked for an independent governance review to be conducted within 12 months of passage and to be tabled in the Assembly. I welcome ACT Labor’s commitment to this.”
Ms Clay chaired the Planning, Transport and City Services inquiry into the Planning Bill which made 49 recommendations for change based on issues raised by community and industry. The Greens’ 19 amendments and negotiations colleagues in Labor are based on the community and industry feedback reflected within that report.
“We’ve worked closely with our colleagues on a package of essential reforms to the Bill. I look forward to the debate in the Assembly.”
BACKGROUND
- Previous media releases from 10 May 2023, 3 May 2023, 4 April 2023, 30 March 2022, December 2022 and September 2022 are at the links.
- Legislative Assembly Committee inquiry here.
- ACT Greens amendments here and explanatory statement here.