THE ACT Government has released a draft ACT Planning Strategy – a results of the “Time to Talk” public forums held last year.

The strategy is divided into nine intiatives with six key actions nominated for implementation over the next five years.

The key actions include: developing a system to monitor and evaluate the effect of the residential, social and affordable housing polices; undertake a social infrastructure and community facilities strategic plan to ensure good access and equity across the city and the region; and to prepare a risk assesment for the city’s physical infrastructure, with accurate digital maping and a system of environmental performance indicators to enable effective, sustainable management.

The strategy ties in closely with the release of the Government’s draft Transport for Canberra policy earlier this month which proposes initiatives including: more bus stations and other public transport infrastructure; better connections between buses; and a transport system that can be adapted to mass public transport with work already towards light rail for Northbourne Avenue and the Gungahlin to City corridor.

Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell, said the strategy will guide Canberra’s development for the next 30 years “by planning a compact and sustainably efficient city.”

“I encourage Canberrans to have their say during the consultation period for the draft ACT Planning Strategy, which is now available on www.timetotalk.act.gov.au,” he said.

A public exhibition is open at the Legislative Assembly from October 17- 31 and will tour to town centre locations in November.

Consultation activities are planned until consultation ends on December 18.

More information at www.timetotalk.act.gov.au