Released 09/12/2016
The government is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Territory Plan to ensure new developments and urban renewal encourages ‘active living’, Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentleman said today.
“The ACT Government is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Canberrans and we need to ensure our built environment makes a positive contribution to this.
“Active living is about incorporating physical activity into our daily routines. Active living can help address health problems associated with lack of exercise and obesity that are causing illness for many people and increasing our health costs,” Minister Gentleman said.
“It is integral to the ACT Government’s vision for Canberra to be a healthy, active and vibrant city.”
“Active living can include active travel which involves physical activity, such as walking and cycling, to get from one destination to another including to and from public transport.”
“In addition to being healthy, active travel is also low cost. Ensuring that all Canberrans have access to great infrastructure for active travel can help us all save money. It is another way to improve equity within our community.”
“During consultation for the 2015 Statement of Planning Intent, the community recognised that the design of our city can encourage more active lifestyles, and called for active living principles to be incorporated into the ACT’s key planning document, the Territory Plan.
“Six active living principles related to how we plan and build our city have been developed in partnership with the Heart Foundation (ACT) to guide government policy and developers. This new Territory Plan Draft Variation embeds these principles throughout the Territory Plan, from the overarching strategic directions to the objectives for various zones, development codes and general codes.
“The draft variation is accompanied by an information paper that explains why we need active living, and how urban planning based on active living can have great health, social, economic and environmental outcomes by getting people out and about.
“Research outlined in the information paper shows that more compact, walkable neighbourhoods with good access to public transport encourage active living. When employment, shops, recreational facilities and good travel networks are easy to access, people are more likely to use active travel.
“When people participate in walking or cycling, research shows they feel more connected and have more positive social interactions. Places are seen as more attractive and liveable when it’s easy to get to employment, shops and recreational facilities.
“Research also shows there are significant economic advantages from active travel ranging from increased business along walking and cycling networks to lower health costs because people are healthier,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
Have your say on the draft variation, atwww.yoursay.act.gov.au/
“The ACT Government is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Canberrans and we need to ensure our built environment makes a positive contribution to this.
“Active living is about incorporating physical activity into our daily routines. Active living can help address health problems associated with lack of exercise and obesity that are causing illness for many people and increasing our health costs,” Minister Gentleman said.
“It is integral to the ACT Government’s vision for Canberra to be a healthy, active and vibrant city.”
“Active living can include active travel which involves physical activity, such as walking and cycling, to get from one destination to another including to and from public transport.”
“In addition to being healthy, active travel is also low cost. Ensuring that all Canberrans have access to great infrastructure for active travel can help us all save money. It is another way to improve equity within our community.”
“During consultation for the 2015 Statement of Planning Intent, the community recognised that the design of our city can encourage more active lifestyles, and called for active living principles to be incorporated into the ACT’s key planning document, the Territory Plan.
“Six active living principles related to how we plan and build our city have been developed in partnership with the Heart Foundation (ACT) to guide government policy and developers. This new Territory Plan Draft Variation embeds these principles throughout the Territory Plan, from the overarching strategic directions to the objectives for various zones, development codes and general codes.
“The draft variation is accompanied by an information paper that explains why we need active living, and how urban planning based on active living can have great health, social, economic and environmental outcomes by getting people out and about.
“Research outlined in the information paper shows that more compact, walkable neighbourhoods with good access to public transport encourage active living. When employment, shops, recreational facilities and good travel networks are easy to access, people are more likely to use active travel.
“When people participate in walking or cycling, research shows they feel more connected and have more positive social interactions. Places are seen as more attractive and liveable when it’s easy to get to employment, shops and recreational facilities.
“Research also shows there are significant economic advantages from active travel ranging from increased business along walking and cycling networks to lower health costs because people are healthier,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
Have your say on the draft variation, at www.yoursay.act.gov.au/
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases