6.8: Residential and Commercial Development

Environmentally sensitive residential and commercial development.

Other Information:

Measures have been put in place to improve the energy efficiency of homes and offices, and further actions will be taken as outlined in Weathering the Change, the ACT’s climate change strategy. The ACT Government is considering a review of the codes for subdivision and residential design in the new Territory Plan to encourage greater innovation, as well as incentives for developers to incorporate innovative technologies. We introduced the water-sensitive urban design code, Water Ways, in March 2008. Further investigation of the sustainability of settlement patterns and transport systems is proposed. It is important to ensure that innovation is incorporated in developments by educating consumers and building industry capacity. The ACT Government is investigating East Lake, immediately east of Kingston Foreshore, for major urban renewal incorporating sustainability principles. The vision for East Lake is a lively, high-density urban community of up to 9,000 people providing an Australian showcase of sustainable development. A mix of housing set in high-quality open space and public realm will be well connected to existing and new shops, employment opportunities, schools and other facilities. A range of innovative residential, commercial, retail and clean industrial uses will reflect the characteristics of the immediate and surrounding environment and build on the existing diverse character of the area. This development will recognise the environmental importance of the Jerrabomberra Wetlands, protect existing land uses and reflect the cultural and historical significance of the area. The ACT Government and CSIRO have established a partnership through the CSIRO Sustainable Communities Initiative to ‘create a national showcase demonstrating innovation in sustainable urban redevelopment by embracing social, economic, and environmental sustainability principles, technologies and practices in redeveloping East Lake’.

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

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