Environment and Planning Forum

The Environment and Planning Forum provides strategic comment on planning and development policy to the ACT Government and the City and Environment Directorate (CED).

Role and responsibilities

The Forum works cooperatively with CED to provide timely and integrated input to a range of issues relating to planning and development, environment, heritage, water and climate action.

The Forum meets every two months and is chaired by the CED Director-General.

Environment and Planning Forum Terms of Reference [133.7 KB]

Membership

Membership of the Forum consists of the following:

• Director-General (Chair)
• Representative(s) from the following organisations and groups:
  • ACT Council of Social Service
  • Australian Institute of Landscape Architects
  • Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Chapter)
  • Community Councils
    • Gungahlin, Belconnen, North Canberra, Woden Valley, Weston Creek, Inner South Canberra, Tuggeranong, and Molonglo Valley
  • Conservation Council ACT Region
  • Council on the Ageing (COTA) ACT
  • Environmental Defenders Office
  • Greater Canberra
  • Housing Industry Association
  • Living Streets Canberra
  • Master Builders Association
  • National Trust ACT
  • Owners Corporation Network
  • Pedal Power
  • Planning Institute of Australia
  • Property Council of Australia
  • Public Transport Association of Canberra
  • Rural Landholders Association.

Bulletins

CED provides a monthly Bulletin to members of the Forum. These Bulletins include an update from the Director-General, an outline of current engagements, a summary of recent relevant media, and an update on other technical and legislative amendments and notifiable instruments.

_{Note: these were previously provided by the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD).}

2024/25 Summary

During the 2024/25 financial year, five EPF meetings were convened, providing a platform for strategic engagement and discussion on a wide range of planning and environmental topics. Key agenda items included:

• Public Notification of a Subdivision Design Application for Casey Community Centre
• Biosecurity developments
• Trees in the ACT
• Minister’s Statement of Planning Priorities
• Planning System Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
• Building Certification Services
• Territory Priority Projects
• Urban Agriculture
• Light Rail Stage 2B
• National Capital Design Review Panel
• Missing Middle housing strategy

The Forum’s Terms of Reference were reviewed and updated to ensure alignment with current priorities and practices. Additionally, the Rural Landholders Association was welcomed as a new member, enhancing the diversity and representation within the Forum.

To better understand stakeholder awareness and engagement with the Directorate’s priority projects, a private survey was conducted from 28 November to 12 December 2024. The results showed that:

• All stakeholders (100%) recognise the importance of the Forum.
• The top priority for stakeholders is identifying and discussing policy issues at the Forum. This was followed by the importance of seeking community and stakeholder input on projects and policy reforms.
• Stakeholders prefer bi-monthly face to face meetings for updates on business and Forum news.
• 87.5% of respondents are moderately or extremely aware of the Directorates priorities and projects.