Amendment of the National Capital Plan - Draft Amendment 86 (DA86)

Overview

The National Capital Plan Draft Amendment 86 (DA86) was introduced in 2015 to revise and modernise the National Capital Plan, addressing the need for a more flexible and streamlined planning framework to accommodate the growth of Canberra. This amendment, prepared in accordance with the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988, aims to update the existing plan by changing its format and structure, thereby enhancing its relevance and utility in guiding the territory's development. Furthermore, the amendment seeks to modify metropolitan planning arrangements to provide the ACT Government with greater flexibility, reduce duplication and complexity in planning for Territory Land, and make minor adjustments to areas identified as having the special characteristics of the National Capital. The National Capital Authority has opened the draft amendment to public inspection and comment to ensure broad stakeholder engagement and input into the modernisation process.

Scope and Application

Draft Amendment 86 Revised National Capital Plan (DA86) pertains to the revision and modernisation of the National Capital Plan, which applies to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). This amendment aims to provide greater flexibility for the ACT Government in accommodating the growth of Canberra, streamline metropolitan planning arrangements, and reduce duplication and complexity in planning by removing certain Special Requirements and making minor adjustments to areas with the special characteristics of the National Capital (Designated Areas). The DA86 is prepared in accordance with section 23 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 and is available for public inspection and comment. This proposed amendment applies to all persons and entities within the ACT who are involved in planning and land management activities, as well as any industry or conduct that falls under the jurisdiction of the National Capital Plan. The scope of the amendment is limited to the ACT and does not extend beyond the territory's jurisdictional reach. Interested individuals and organisations can provide written comments on DA86 by the specified deadline, and further information is available via the National Capital Authority's website or by contacting the Chief Planner directly.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Draft Amendment 86 Revised National Capital Plan (DA86) primarily revolve around updating and modernising the existing National Capital Plan. Section 23 of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 mandates the preparation of this draft amendment, ensuring that it undergoes a thorough review process. DA86 seeks to change the format and structure of the document, thereby enhancing its clarity and accessibility. It also aims to modify metropolitan planning arrangements, providing the ACT Government with greater flexibility to manage and accommodate the growth of Canberra effectively. Under the revised plan, certain obligations and requirements will be imposed on the parties and entities governed by the National Capital Plan. These include the ACT Government, local authorities, and the general public. The new planning arrangements will require the ACT Government to take a more proactive role in guiding urban development, ensuring that growth is sustainable and meets the needs of the community. The removal of Special Requirements in certain areas is intended to reduce duplication and complexity in planning, streamlining processes and making them more efficient. Breaching the provisions of the National Capital Plan could result in various legal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, breaches of planning laws generally lead to civil or criminal penalties. These may include fines, orders for remediation, or even imprisonment in more severe cases. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as the specific provisions of the National Capital Plan that are violated. It is essential for all parties involved to adhere to the updated guidelines to avoid these potential consequences.