Policy Snapshot - September 2023

NSW Budget focuses on homes, social infrastructure and essential services

The Minns government’s first Budget has prioritised public investment with $9.8 billion allocated over the next four years to build and upgrade schools and TAFEs, $13.8 billion to build and upgrade healthcare facilities, and funding for a range of initiatives designed to accelerate construction of homes, assist first homebuyers and improve outcomes for tenants of both social housing and private rentals.  

A new planning system for the ACT

The ACT Government has released the key elements in the ACT’s new planning system: the new Territory Plan, strategies for each of the ACT’s nine districts, and three new design guides to help developers with what they need to consider and respond to when designing their buildings. The new planning system is expected to commence on 27 November 2023 once the Territory Plan has been approved by the Legislative Assembly. 

Webinar series to help local government close the performance gap

If we are to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, we must ensure that buildings comply with the performance standards they are designed to deliver, from minimum standards in the National Construction Code (NCC), to higher benchmarks such as NABERS and Green Star.  

To support governments in learning strategies to close the performance gap, NABERS and GBCA are hosting a series of webinars focused on ‘Closing the performance gap’. 

Cities Power Partnership Climate Awards

The ACT Government has won the Innovation Award at the Cities Power Partnership Climate Awards for the ‘Make Your Next Choice Electric’ web tool. An Australian first, the online tool is helping Canberrans to develop their own tailored household electrification plan. 

Other GBCA members recognised in the awards are Brimbank City Council, Merri-bek City Council and Knox City Council.

Providing policy input for a better built environment

GBCA contributes to federal, state and local government and industry consultations. Recent submissions include responses to consultation on South Australia’s energy future, ACT’s Integrated Energy Plan and a national framework for recycled content traceability. GBCA is currently preparing input to a Senate Inquiry into residential electrification.