Property developer Arabella Rohde said the system could be changed to stop preparing for the worst and instead allow for the best.

Ms Rohde said planning reform was a "key opportunity", and one the Property Council has called for, to put design and performance at the fore.

"I think we've always looked at ensuring development of the worst case scenario doesn't happen, but we don't really have a system that promotes the best case scenario," she said.

"That best case scenario is often somebody thinking, this is a better outcome or it just may require some consideration or a departure [from the norm] because the rules are not necessarily there to think, they are to protect."

ACT chief planner Ben Ponton said last week developers had a "clear pathway", ticking-off requirements under current planning laws, and said he wanted to see a new system implemented in 2022.

Communication between government, industry and residents also needed improvement, Ms Rohde said. Arguing there could be better and clearer collaboration across the sectors.

"It's moving beyond community consultation ... if I look at examples [of] collaboration with industry and government, consideration of joint ventures, bringing in some commercial industry thinking, and really striving and pushing the boundaries," she said.

"We need to have a look at how we engage generally across the board."

Ms Rohde is the first woman to be appointed to the role as president, although is quick to note she is not the "first worthy" woman to come through the council.

"It's about time," she said.

"If I was asked by somebody on the street who they thought a property developer was, I think there's a massive disconnect there.

"We actually have such a large engagement [of women] not only in development but also starting to increase through construction."

She enters the position after a turbulent year for the industry, and says Canberra's biggest challenge will be staying attractive to visitors and new residents.

"Particularly with the potential [planning] change and a decline in building approvals, as well as a potential drop in our population forecast due to overseas migration," Ms Rohde said.

Ms Rohde, a Lendlease Development senior manager, has switched roles with former president Travis Doherty, who has stepped in as vice-president.

Ms Rohde has worked in property development, urban planning and sustainable development for 20 years.

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