2021-12-10
In light of the release of the District Planning Engagement Report last week, and the Planning Review Project Update Paper today, the ACT Greens want to ensure future development is driven by the needs of people and the planet.
“The development of new planning laws is an important milestone in Canberra’s history as it will shape the way we, and generations after us, will live, work, connect and thrive”, said Jo Clay MLA, ACT Greens spokesperson for Planning.
“The ACT Greens welcome the recent updates, and we want to ensure that deep and genuine consultation is at the heart of all future planning decisions.
“Deep consultation can only happen when the community can see all the cards at play. That’s why I’m really pleased about the announcement of an upgraded IT system that will allow for greater public engagement online. I hope it will make planning processes simpler and more accessible to Canberrans. I acknowledge former ACT Greens MLA Caroline le Couteur’s work on this in the last Assembly.
“Planning intersects with so many vital areas of our lives, from health to transport and education. I’m glad that these reports acknowledge this, and I hope that EPSDD will share their public consultation findings with these other directorates so they can work together to improve our planning system.
“I’m also pleased to see recommendations in the Engagement Report for greater consultation with diverse Canberrans, such as the Indigenous and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities, as well as those with diverse physical and mental needs.
“We all live in this city together. We are family, friends and neighbours. We should all be able to participate in society regardless of the language we speak at home or if we face physical barriers. I hope this deeper engagement with diverse communities will help us plan for a more inclusive and accessible bush capital.
“The focus on sustainable and climate-ready development in these reports is welcome. The ACT Greens are very invested in getting the balance right between building for our growing population and protecting our beautiful natural environment. We are confident that with genuine consultation, we can improve our planning system further to achieve this.”