The body representing the ACT's building and construction industry has called for reforms to planning requirements and strategy in the ACT, including greater industry consultation and streamlined document handling.
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The ACT Master Builders Association's newly released Land and Planning Policy document calls for the National Capital Plan and the Territory Plan to be better aligned to end overlapping of regulations on areas deemed as national and territory land.
It says an urgent review of territory regulatory processes is needed and special requirements in place on territory land should be removed, arguing they represent a "grey area of planning" that brings no benefits to urban outcomes and causes confusion for potential investors considering Canberra.
"The recent history of policy implementation in the ACT could be considered the antithesis of progress," the document states.
"Numerous instances have limited the potential for achievement by both government and industry."
The association calls for industry to be included in genuine consultation about future development in Canberra, rather than receiving "agreed planning information" for government and agencies.
"MBA-ACT is keen to rectify this process and strongly recommends routine briefings, discussions and productive workshops related to key planning platforms."
It proposes the establishment of an ACT infrastructure panel and the alignment of the National Capital Plan and the Territory Plan by 2015.
The role of third-party certifiers should be more adequately defined and more effectively managed disciplinary processes should be used in instances of poorly performing certifiers, the document states.
Among its recommendations are a review and upgrade for e-lodgement systems for planning documents, including targets for time frames for the completion of checks involved in development processes.
MBA executive director John Miller said the policy was designed to help build on the work of the ACT government in planning the emergence of Canberra as a world city while maintaining local amenity.
It prioritises the steady and reliable supply of land within the ACT, saying it is "fundamental to a sustainable and robust local building industry", which currently anticipates a minimum of two years before land becomes available in the territory.
The association welcomes reform of commence-and-complete fees and lease variation charges announced in March by ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher as part of a two-year stimulus package for the local construction industry.
“We know from the experience of other well-planned Australian and international cities that a bold vision is not enough. A city plan must be underpinned by appropriate regulatory processes to see fruition,” Mr Miller said in a statement.
“Canberra’s role as the nation’s capital and our home are complementary. As the capital of a first-world nation we have opportunities beyond the reach of a Sydney or Melbourne which we are yet to fully seize.
“We must resolve that such opportunities and the amenity of our community life are not mutually exclusive.”
Mr Miller said the efficiency and effectiveness of planning processes in place in the territory as well as carefully managed and updated regulations were crucial to the quality of life enjoyed by residents and visitors to the ACT.
