The Public Transport Association of Canberra recently participated in a consultation process looking at aspects of National Capital Authority (NCA) processes. Specifically, this is a review into “the governance and decision-making frameworks for works approval processes and amendments to the National Capital Plan.” The review is being undertaken by PEG Consulting and we understand it is due to be completed by September 2025.
We have had various touchpoints with the NCA over the years, including participation in public submission rounds, attendance at public forums, and meetings with staff. PTCBR’s stance on the NCA is no secret: we perceive this body to be a hindrance to positive growth and Canberra’s maturation as a city. We are dismayed by the focus on cars and the neglect of public transport infrastructure, footpaths, and bike paths in the National Triangle. This is a dynamic created and perpetuated by the NCA, underpinned by murky decision-making processes and lack of public accountability. The rapid approval and construction of a multistory carpark next to the John Gorton Building, waved through with no traffic modelling, is the kind of car-centric rubber-stamp planning decision that we’d expect to see left in the past – this is not the right choice for a modern and forward-thinking city.
Canberra deserves better, and we expressed this in our submission. You can read and download it below.
Our thanks to PEG Consulting for including PTCBR in this review. We hope our contribution will have an impact.