Canberra’s City Renewal Authority has unveiled new plans for a greener and more people-friendly inner city. As part of its new sustainability strategy, released late in 2018, the authority has set some lofty targets to include more trees and green spaces, more energy and water efficient buildings, and a more diverse mix of housing in the City Renewal Precinct by 2025. It also aims to get people more active by making it easier to walk and cycle there.

The targets include:

  • Improving housing options for families by increasing the number of three-bedroom apartments.
  • Increasing active travel by targeting a “Walk Score” of 90+ by providing accessible community and commercial services within a 10-minute walk from anywhere in the precinct.
  • Improving energy efficiency from new buildings, with non-residential buildings to have energy performance at least 25% above code.
  • Reducing potable water demand in new developments by half, plus replacing 30% of public water with re-used storm water.
  • Minimising car ownership within the precinct by increasing electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
  • Achieving 30% tree canopy cover within the precinct, with increased greening of urban and open spaces between buildings.

Malcolm Snow, Chief Executive Officer, said the 2025 targets were designed to make Canberra more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable – and to meet the high expectations of the community.

“We share with the community a desire to create welcoming, inclusive places that value social connectedness, community health and wellbeing. Places that allow people to connect with nature, and with each other, in their everyday lives,” he said.

“Social and environmental sustainability are vital elements of our program as we implement the design-led and people-focused renewal of our city precinct.”

The strategy will be led by the authority and rolled out with support from other government agencies, private companies and community groups.

“We will implement the targets through our own capital works and land release programs and also work with developers and community groups to promote best-practice sustainability initiatives throughout the precinct”, Mr Snow said.

“We will also collaborate with the private sector wherever possible to encourage the uptake and application of sustainable development practices in new development projects.

“Achieving sustainable development will require collective urban leadership – everyone has a role to play to help create the city we all want to live in and our children to live in.”

To view the City Renewal Authority’s sustainability strategy visit: cityrenewalcbr.com.au