The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) has welcomed today’s decision by ACT Planning Minister Chris Steel to approve Major Plan Amendment 04 (MPA-04), paving the way for more well-planned townhouses, terraces and low-rise apartments in Canberra’s existing suburbs.
The reforms enable a broader mix of low-rise housing types across Canberra’s suburban and suburban core residential zones, including dual occupancies, townhouses and low-rise apartments.
PIA said this is an important step toward increasing housing diversity and supporting Canberra’s future growth.
“This is the kind of balanced housing reform Canberra needs,” said Natalia Anderson RPIA, PIA ACT President. “These reforms strike the right balance between increasing housing supply, maintaining neighbourhood character and supporting liveable communities.”
“For many Canberrans, the housing choices available have been limited to a standalone house or an apartment in the CBD. These reforms create more opportunities for people to find a home that suits their needs and stage of life, whether that’s a first home buyer, a growing family, or someone wanting to downsize while staying connected to their community.”
PIA said the reforms strike an important balance between increasing housing supply and maintaining quality neighbourhood outcomes.
“When planned well, missing middle housing supports more walkable, connected and sustainable neighbourhoods. Getting it right means the right homes, in the right locations, supported by the right infrastructure,” Ms Anderson said.
Following the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee inquiry, the final reforms include strengthened planning provisions relating to streetscape character, parking and public domain impacts. PIA members contributed extensively to the development of the reforms through the Technical Advisory Group and Pool of Practitioners.
PIA said the reforms recognise the need for established suburbs to play a role in accommodating Canberra’s future growth.
“Canberra cannot rely on greenfield expansion to meet future housing demand,” she said. “Providing more housing diversity in well-connected areas is a smarter and more sustainable way to support a growing city.”
The announcement coincides with PIA’s National Planning Congress being held in Canberra this week, bringing together almost 600 planning professionals from across Australia as PIA marks 75 years of the planning profession nationally. Housing affordability, supply and city shaping have been central themes throughout the 3-day Congress program.