Released 21/09/2018
Architects, designers, builders and property developers in the ACT are urged to incorporate infrastructure to use and treat stormwater under proposed planning changes, released for public comment today.
The proposed changes form part of a review of the water sensitive urban design general code, which will update the water sensitive design requirements within the ACT’s major planning document – the Territory Plan – also known as Draft Variation 354 (DV354).
The draft variation encourages more green spaces and porous areas, which will help cool Canberra’s urban areas by allowing rainfall to infiltrate the ground more easily. Dr Erin Brady, Deputy Director-General for Land Strategy and Environment said DV354 also sets targets for mains water reduction, as well as the quantity and quality of stormwater released.
New developments are encouraged to make urban development more environmentally-friendly by including wetlands, ponds and rain gardens.
Dr Brady said this is essential in helping reduce the effects of climate change in the capital.
“Integrating the way we use stormwater into the urban development process paves the way for green ‘living’ infrastructure to become a feature of new developments. This can minimise the heat island effect by reducing hard surfaces in the urban environment, and promotes stormwater reuse for irrigation,” Dr Brady said.
“A key feature of DV354 is the flexibility offered to developers to meet these important targets. The draft variation also includes a comprehensive guide for how to comply with new water sensitive urban design requirements for both public and private developments. The ACT Practice Guidelines for Water Sensitive Urban Design can be referred to when considering better stormwater infrastructure,” Dr Brady said.
The Guidelines will also help users to understand how the water cycle interacts with our city, and have been developed following extensive industry consultation.
Stakeholders are encouraged to provide input into the draft variation, which will help future developments to be considered in an environmentally friendly way.
Public consultation closes on Friday 9 November 2018. For more information visit the Planning website.
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