PIA has provided a submission to an Issues Paper prepared by the Prime Minister’s Task Group on Energy Efficiency.  The Task Group was established by the PM and is charged with the task of developing options to deliver a step change  improvement in Australia’s energy efficiency by 2020.  The PIA submission outlines the role of planning in addressing energy efficiency broadly in the areas of urban form, building design and primary industry and can be viewed here

On 16 December 2009 the Australian Government released the National Aviation Policy White Paper providing a policy framework for the development of the aviation industry at all levels, including initiatives to ensure better planning and integrated development on and around airports and to lessen the adverse effects of aviation activity on the environment and communities.  The Aviation White Paper can be viewed at http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/nap/index.aspx

PIA has prepared a response to Minister Albanese on the White Paper, setting out the Institute’s position on the proposals and identifying areas that PIA believes require further refinement.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has provided the following response to PIAs submission: Click here to view

In 2008 the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council confirmed the importance of the Native Vegetation Framework as the national policy document for achieving a reversal in the long-term decline of Australia’s native vegetation, and an improvement in the condition of existing native vegetation.  Information about the Native Vegetation Framework can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/land/vegetation/review/index.html

Consultation on the draft Native Vegetation Framework recently closed. PIA provided a submission on the draft.

Further to the Government’s development of a National Aviation Policy Statement in June 2008 and the Aviation Green Paper in February 2009 (see previous PIA sub missions), a discussion paper on Safeguards for airports and the communities around them has been released.

The paper explores a range of options for addressing issues that impact on the safety of airports, aircraft and the surrounding areas.  Issues raised include compatibility of development, wildlife hazards and public safety zones.

PIA has provided a submission to the Discussion Paper for the Safeguarding airports and further information can be found at:

http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/airport/safeguarding.aspx

Built Environment Meets Parliament (BEMP) released a series of draft Principles for Planning Sustainable Communities for consultation amongst the relevant built environment professions via the bangthetable.com website.  The principles aim to provide guidance for strategic planning and are to be used as an advocacy tool nationally to seek greater consistency and quality of processes and outcomes across Australia.  While PIA is a partner in BEMP, a separate PIA focuses submission has been prepared to address that interest of the planning profession.  

To view the draft principles go to: http://bangthetable.com/bemp

In the wake of devastating bushfires across Victoria in early 2009, the Senate referred to the Select Committee on Agricultural and Related Industries an Inquiry into the incidence and severity of bushfires across Australia.

PIA has made a submission to the Inquiry, focusing on the Terms of Reference related to the appropriateness of planning and building codes with respect to land use in the bushfire prone regions. 

Further information about the Inquiry can be found at:

http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/Committee/agric_ctte/bushfires/index.htm

The 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission was established on 16 February to investigate the causes and responses to the bushfires which swept through parts of Victoria in late January and February 2009.  PIA prepared a submission to the Commission, responding to the Commission’s Terms of Reference, in particular to, land use planning and management, including urban and regional planning.
The Royal Commission seeks to, amongst other things, inquire into and report on “the preparation and planning by governments, emergency services, other entities, the community and households for bushfires in Victoria, including current laws, policies, practices, resources and strategies for the prevention, identification, evaluation, management and communication of bushfire threats and risks”.

Further information on the Royal Commission can be found at: http://www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au/

PIA has made a submission to the Inquiry into the Investment of Commonwealth and State funds in public passenger transport infrastructure and services.  On 4 December 2008 the Senate referred the matter of the investment of Commonwealth and State funds in public passenger transport infrastructure and services, to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee for inquiry and report.

The Inquiry will have particular regard to:

• an audit of the state of public passenger transport in Australia
• current and historical levels of public investment in private vehicle and public passenger transport services and infrastructure
• an assessment of the benefits of public passenger transport, including integration with bicycle and pedestrian initiatives
• measures by which the Commonwealth Government could facilitate improvement in public passenger transport services and infrastructure;
• the role of Commonwealth Government legislation, taxation, subsidies, policies and other mechanisms that either discourage or encourage public passenger transport
• best practice international examples of public passenger transport services and infrastructure

Further information about this Inquiry can be found at:
http://www.aph.gov.au/SEnate/committee/rrat_ctte/public_transport/index.htm

On 16 December 2009 the Australian Government released the National Aviation Policy White Paper providing a policy framework for the development of the aviation industry at all levels, including initiatives to ensure better planning and integrated development on and around airports and to lessen the adverse effects of aviation activity on the environment and communities.  The Aviation White Paper can be viewed at http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/nap/index.aspx PIA has prepared a response to Minister Albanese on the White Paper, setting out the Institute’s position on the proposals and identifying areas that PIA believes require further refinement.

Also see PIA’s other Submissions:

Submission to National Aviation Policy Statement June 2008

The Senate noted the continuing decline and extinction of a significant proportion of Australia's unique plants and animals, and the likelihood that accelerating climate change will exacerbate challenges faced by Australian species.  It referred to the Senate Environment, Communications and the Arts Committee an Inquiry into the operation of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and other natural resource protection programmes.  The Inquiry is to have particular reference matters including:

• the lessons learnt from the first 10 years of operation of the EPBC Act in relation to the protection of critical habitats of threatened species and ecological communities, and potential for measures to improve their recovery
• the cumulative impacts of EPBC Act approvals on threatened species and ecological communities
• the effectiveness of responses to key threats identified within the EPBC Act, including land-clearing, climate change and invasive species, and potential for future measures to build environmental resilience and facilitate adaptation within a changing climate

Further information on this Inquiry can be found at:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/eca_ctte/epbc_act/index.htm

This Submission to Infrastructure Australia is in relation to Public Private Partnerships and Urban Action Plans for creating sustainable cities. 

It advocates for the Major Cities Unit to administer a program of Urban Action Plans for creating more sustainable liveable cities. The submission sets out a recommended approach to this task.

More information on the Major Cities Unit can be found at: http://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/mcu.aspx

PIA has prepared a submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport, Inquiry into Natural Resource Management & Conservation. 
This committee will inquire into and report on issues related to natural resource management and conservation, including:

• the overall costs and benefits of a regional approach to planning and management of Australia's catchments, coasts and other natural resources
• the need for a long-term strategic approach to natural resource management (NRM) at the national level

The Inquiry was referred to the committee by the Senate on 26 June 2008.  Details of the Inquiry can be found at:

http://www.aph.gov.au/SEnate/committee/rrat_ctte/natural_resource/index.htm

PIA has made a submission to the Federal Government’s Housing Affordability Fund Consultation Paper.

The Housing Affordability Fund will invest up to $512 million over five years to lower the cost of building new homes.   The Fund's focus is on proposals that improve the supply of new housing and make housing more affordable for home buyers entering the market. It will address two significant barriers to the supply of housing:

• Holding costs incurred by developers as a result of long planning and approval waiting times
• Infrastructure costs, such as water, sewerage, transport, and open space

From 1 July 2008 the Fund will be distributed primarily to local governments identified through a competitive tender process. The Housing Affordability Fund will target greenfield and infill developments where high dwelling demand currently exists or is forecast. Proposals will be assessed against transparent, needs-based selection criteria with priority given to proposals that improve the supply of new moderately priced housing and demonstrate how cost savings are passed on to new home buyers. Further information on the Housing Affordability Fund Consultation Paper can be found at: click here

On 16 December 2009 the Federal Government recently released the National Aviation Policy White Paper addressing a range of airport related issues including airport planning and development.  The framework for reform outlined in the White Paper seeks to support better-integrated planning outcomes and aviation infrastructure investment.

To view the White Paper go to http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/nap/index.aspx

Also see PIA’s other Submissions:

Submission to Aviation Green Paper February 2009

The House Standing Committee on Health and Ageing will inquire into and report on the increasing prevalence of obesity in the Australian population, focusing on future implications for Australia’s health system.

The Committee will recommend what governments, industry, individuals and the broader community can do to prevent and manage the obesity epidemic in children, youth and adults.

PIA together with the Heart Foundation and the Australian Local Government Association lodged a joint submission outlining the link between the design of the built environment and obesity, and the Healthy Spaces and Places project being undertaken by the partners.

Information about the Inquiry can be found at: http://www.aph.gov.au/House/committee/haa/obesity/index.htm

Information on the Healthy Spaces and Places Project 

The National Rental Affordability Scheme is due to commence on 1 July 2008. The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs is responsible for the implementation and ongoing management of the program. The Commonwealth will be working with State and Territory Governments, large scale investors and not-for-profit housing providers to implement the Scheme.  The Prime Minister with the Minister for Housing, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP released a Technical Discussion Paper on 2 May seeking submissions and comments to help settle the final administrative and legislative design features of the National Rental Affordability Scheme.

The PIA submission was prepared with the support of the NSW Social Planning Chapter.

Further information about the Technical Discussion Paper can be accessed at:

http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/housing/nras.htm#4

This committee inquired into and has reported on issues related to climate change and environmental pressures experienced by Australian coastal areas, particularly in the context of coastal population growth. In particular:

• existing policies and programs related to coastal zone management, taking in the catchment-coast-ocean continuum
• the environmental impacts of coastal population growth and mechanisms to promote sustainable use of coastal resources
• the impact of climate change on coastal areas and strategies to deal with climate change adaptation, particularly in response to projected sea level rise
• mechanisms to promote sustainable coastal communities
• governance and institutional arrangements for the coastal zone.

The inquiry was referred to the committee by the Hon Peter Garrett AM MP, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, and Senator the Hon Penny Wong, the Minister for Climate Change and Water, on 20 March 2008.

On Monday 26 October 2009 the committee presented its report which can be found at: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ccwea/coastalzone/report.htm

The Report has issued 47 recommendations many of which relate to the role and activities of the planning profession. 

As well as this submission, PIA also was a party to submissions made to this Review by the Australian Construction Industry Forum and the Australian Council of Built Environment Design Professions.On 22 January 2008, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, announced a wide ranging review of Australia's national innovation system to be conducted by an expert panel chaired by Dr Terry Cutler.The establishment of the review recognises the vital role innovation plays in boosting productivity and international competitiveness, and re-iterates the Rudd Government's commitment to fostering innovation across the economy.A Green Paper will be received from the panel by the end of July 2008, and this will be followed by a White Paper response from the Government. 

Further information about the Review can be found at click here http://www.innovation.gov.au/innovationreview/Pages/home.aspx

On 19 February 2008 the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Bob Debus MP, asked the Joint Standing Committee on National Capital and External Territories to inquire into and report on the role of the National Capital Authority.  PIA provided written and verbal evidence to this Inquiry.

Further information including the terms of reference for this committee can be found at: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ncet/natcapauth/index.htm

A further written submission by PIA was made to the Inquiry.

The Garnaut Climate Change Review was commissioned by Australia's State and Territory Governments on 30 April 2007.  The Review is examining the impacts of climate change on the Australian economy, and will recommend medium to long-term policies and policy frameworks to improve the prospects for sustainable prosperity. 

On 19 February 2007, Professor Ross Garnaut hosted a public forum on Transport, Planning and the Built Environment. The forum sought to canvass the opinions of a wide range of experts on key climate change issues relating to greenhouse gas mitigation in these sectors.  Issues Paper 5 - Transport, planning and the built environment, draws on the outcomes of the forum, stakeholder discussions and internal analysis.  It aims to raise and explore issues, and to seek input on the key issues related to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in transport, land-use and buildings.

PIA’s submission responds to Issues Paper 5 as well as providing general information about the impacts of climate change for the planning profession.

Further information about the Garnaut Review can be obtained from   http://www.garnautreview.org.au/CA25734E0016A131/pages/home

An Australia 2020 Summit at Parliament House is being convened by the Federal Government on 19-20 April 2008 to help shape a long term strategy for the nation’s future.  The Summit will bring together some of the best and brightest brains from across the country to tackle the long term challenges confronting Australia’s future.

Submissions were invited and PIA provided input to the ten critical areas of discussion:

• The productivity agenda – education, skills, training, science and innovation
• The future of the Australian economy
• Population, sustainability, climate change and water and the future of our cities
• Future directions for rural industries and rural communities 
• A long-term national health strategy – including the challenges of preventative health, workforce planning and the ageing population 
• Strengthening communities, supporting families and social inclusion 
• Options for the future of Indigenous Australia 
• Towards a creative Australia: the future of the arts, film and design 
• The future of Australian governance: renewed democracy, a more open government (including the role of the media), the structure of the Federation and the rights and responsibilities of citizens 
• Australia’s future security and prosperity in a rapidly changing region and world.

Details about the Australia 2020 Summit can be found at http://www.australia2020.gov.au/

Click here for the opening statement by Mr Neil Savery, President Elect, Planning Institute of Australia and Ms Di Jay, CEO, Planning Institute of Australia.

The Senate is examining the following barriers to housing affordability and the PIA submission responded directly to these issues:

• the taxes and levies imposed by state and territory governments; 
• the rate of release of new land by state and territory governments; 
• proposed assistance for first home owners by state, territory and the Commonwealth governments and their effectiveness in the absence of increased supply; 
• the role of all levels of government in facilitating affordable home ownership; 
• the effect on the market of government intervention in the housing sector including planning and industrial relations laws; 
• the role of financial institutions in home lending; and 
• the contribution of home ownership to retirement incomes.

The Inquiry is also hearing evidence in other jurisdictions and details of this Senate Inquiry can be accessed at:

http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/hsaf_ctte/tor.htm

The Inquiry released its final report on 16th June and this can be accessed at: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/hsaf_ctte/report/index.htm. PIA’s recommendations were referenced throughout the report.

The Senate is proposing to amend legislation governing approvals for development at the Federal Government leased airport sites. The amendments propose greater consultation with state and local governments and the community on major development proposals at these airport sites. The Senate has referred the amendments to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee for inquiry and reporting back to the Senate.  PIA’s submission to this Committee refers to the PIA national position statement on airport development and urges the government to go even further and require development be consistent and integrated with surrounding metropolitan or regional planning.  The Senate Committee has to report back to the Senate by the 26th February 2007.

PIA was invited to verbally present to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee on the 30th January 2007 at Parliament House, Canberra.  PIA reiterated its position statement that calls for greater integration between development at airports with surrounding planning instruments (local, metropolitan and state/territory).  The current system is flawed and the amendments don’t go far enough. A copy of the verbal presentation is below and a transcript of the proceedings is available on Hansard.

Click here for the Attachment to the submission

Click here for a copy of the presentation to the Senate Committee

Response to the Draft Climate Change Adaptation Framework prepared for the Council of Australian Governments Climate Change Group

PIA has provided a response to the Australian Greenhouse Office which prepared a draft national climate change adaptation framework on behalf of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).  PIA recognises the need for a high level, integrated adaptation framework and applauds the timely preparation and initiative of COAG in preparing this document.  Overall PIA believes that the draft framework is a useful document highlighting the potential impacts of climate change on a diverse range of key sectors, supported by  high level actions to mitigate these impacts in the future.  The submission also provides a more detailed response to the two priority areas for action.  This submission was prepared with the support of PIA’s Climate Change Expert Task Group.

Following on from the release of its Sustainable Cities Report, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment and Heritage resolved to inquire into and report on the potential development of a national Sustainability Charter for Australia.  PIA recommended that a national Sustainability Charter be adopted, in the earlier submission made to the Sustainable Cities Inquiry (refer to Sustainable Cities 2025 submission below).  This more recent submission submitted to the Inquiry in June 2006, further elaborates on what the Charter may contain and how it may be prepared. It draws upon deliberations from the Sustainable Communities Roundtable, which is being co-convened by PIA.