Territory Plan Takes Effect, Reshapes Canberra Development Rules

The new Territory Plan came into effect on 27 September 2024 after passage in the Legislative Assembly on 28 August 2024. It guides what development can take place and where across Canberra. Residents can now browse current development applications being considered by the Territory Planning Authority, as well as decided applications from the past five years, on the ACT Planning website.

Canberra operates under a dual planning regime. The ACT Government manages day-to-day planning through the Territory Plan. The Australian Government, through the National Capital Affairs Commissioner, safeguards national significance via the National Capital Plan, which prevails over the Territory Plan when the two conflict.

Roles in decision-making

The Minister for Planning holds decision-making powers for specific matters, including Major Plan Amendments and development applications for Territory Priority projects. Most other development applications are decided by the Territory Planning Authority. The City and Environment Directorate manages planning and development overall and is responsible for implementing the new spatially-led planning system introduced by the Planning Act 2023.

These arrangements affect how residents interact with planning processes in their suburbs. People seeking information on proposed developments near their homes or workplaces can review applications directly through the ACT Planning website rather than relying on secondary summaries. The system also clarifies which projects fall under ministerial oversight and which remain with the authority.

Access to information for residents

The City and Environment Directorate shapes how Canberra grows through these processes. Residents and community groups can track applications and outcomes using the publicly available records on the ACT Planning website. This transparency covers both active proposals and those decided in recent years.

Future development applications will continue to be assessed under the Territory Plan and the overarching National Capital Plan. The government expects the new framework to provide clearer guidance on permitted development locations and types throughout the territory.