Released 15/08/2016
The Public Forum on Urban Planning and Policy considered the challenges associated with the design, construction and operation of unit titled buildings and high density residential and mixed use areas.
Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentleman, delivered the opening statement at the forum where he highlighted the ACT Government’s key policies such as the government reform of the building and construction regulatory system, the Statement of Planning Intent and the Urban Sounds discussion.
“More new units and apartments are constructed each year than detached buildings, and our built form is becoming increasingly compact,” Minister Gentleman said.
“After community concerns about the quality of residential construction the government committed to a full policy review of the ACT Building Act and regulatory system.
“Building on reforms to building regulation to date, the Government recently announced a reforms package in the following six areas of:
- Design and documentation;
- Stage inspection and on-site supervision;
- Practitioner licensing;
- Contracts for residential buildings, including for sales off the plan;
- Project funding;
- Alternative dispute resolution.
“As soon as these reforms were announced, the Government introduced new laws to implement and support the reforms.
“Community engagement on the planning system revealed broad support for the government’s current planning policies and vision for Canberra.
“The Statement of Planning Intent details the Government’s vision for the city and contains four key priorities which are relevant to owners of units and apartments. The four priority areas are:
- Creating sustainable, compact and liveable neighbourhoods with better transport choices;
- Delivering high quality public spaces and streets through place making;
- Delivering an outcome-focused planning system to reward design excellence and innovation;
- Engaging with the community, business and research sectors to optimise planning outcomes.
“Managing the needs of different community members in mixed-use areas is a challenge, including managing noise in places that house many people in close proximity to each other and to commercial and entertainment precincts.
“The recently released Urban Sounds discussion paper seeks community feedback on how the ACT planning framework can be improved to manage noise in mixed use areas.
“I would encourage Canberrans to submit their comments on the options they think will achieve the best outcomes at www.yoursay.act.gov.au . Submissions close on 5 September 2016.
“Obtaining views from a broad range of the Canberra community assists the government in making informed decisions which benefit everyone.
“I would like to thank the Owners Corporation Network ACT for organising this forum and their contribution to public discussion on urban planning and policy,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases