Three years away from its centenary, it’s time for Canberra to grow up and take the brave decisions about the city of tomorrow, the Property Council said today at the launch of The Urgency is Now - Action Plan for Canberra’s Future.
The action plan outlines a vision for Canberra that is diverse and sustainable and counts in the eyes of the nation.
“The decisions made now will make or break this city, so the need for big ideas and action is urgent,” Property Council ACT Executive Director, Catherine Carter said.
“Canberra should aim to be the hallmark city of Australia and a benchmark for best practice in sustainable planning, design and construction.
“This century, the big idea for Canberra should be to incorporate everything we have learned about building cities into creating the best capital and home in the world.
“The Property Council’s fear is that a continued ad hoc approach to planning, design and construction will see a diminished Federal Government presence and investment in Canberra, a larger carbon footprint and declining community services due to lack of growth.
“Growth is not an environmental threat as long as we grow intelligently. We need a genuine long-term vision for our city and we need it now,” she said.
The action plan outlines 15 steps to achieving the vision, which include:
- An holistic approach to carbon-neutrality
- Fast tracked green buildings
- Integrated infrastructure and transport plans
- A centralised strategic policy function
- Complementary planning
- An updated spatial plan
- A renewed mid-city precinct
- New plans for the city centres, and
- A diversified economy.
“The Property Council is passionate about making Canberra the best city it can be for the community and the nation. We want to work with the ACT Government, its agencies and the community to achieve that,” she said.
For further information contact:
Catherine Carter, Executive Director, 02 6248 6902 or 0412 330 079
