The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) says the newly released ACT Climate Change Strategy 2026-2036 provides a strong foundation for delivering climate action through better planning, transport and the built environment.
The Strategy sets out the ACT Government's priorities for the decade ahead through eight pillars spanning the economy, built and natural environments. It combines emissions reduction with climate adaptation and resilience, while setting a long-term ambition for the ACT to become climate positive from 2045.
PIA said the Strategy reflects the growing recognition that climate outcomes are shaped by the way our cities and communities are planned. The approach taken reflects the work of leading Australian research organisations cited by PIA in our 2023 Achieving Net Zero report.
PIA ACT President Natalia Anderson MPIA said good planning has a critical role to play in delivering the Strategy's objectives on the ground.
"Good planning helps create healthier, more connected and more resilient communities, whilst also helping to reduce emissions," she said
PIA commended the ACT Government for continuing its whole-of-government approach to this issue. PIA is particularly pleased to see transport mode share identified as a key action area within the Strategy. There is an opportunity to achieve major co-benefits from better city-making which supports public and active transport. The Strategy correctly recognises that many initiatives will have connected and complementary effects, such those in the transport and built environment sectors.
"Climate resilience is built through the decisions we make about where and how our communities grow. Planning brings together housing, transport, infrastructure, green spaces and resilience to create places that are better prepared for a changing climate," Mrs Anderson said, “District and precinct planning for growing Canberra suburbs, both new and existing, will be crucial to allow actions contained in the Strategy to guide growth and development.”
PIA will continue to advocate for climate-conscious planning. PIA looks forward to continuing our engagement with the ACT Government on this topic.