The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) welcomes the release of the Federal Government’s Built Environment Sector Plan (BESP), a critical roadmap to decarbonise Australia’s built environment, strengthen resilience to climate change, and deliver well-located, fit-for-purpose housing.
PIA has consistently called for the Plan’s finalisation, including as one of 12 priorities in our Federal election priorities released earlier this year, with PIA CEO Matt Collins saying the release of the Plan provides the certainty needed to help shift from strategy to action.
“The Built Environment Sector Plan is an important step forward in Australia’s net zero transition. It must now be implemented with strong partnerships across all levels of government, industry and communities, so that we can meet our net zero targets and deliver well-located homes in well-planned communities that are sustainable, resilient and affordable.”
Mr Collins said timely delivery will be essential to realising the Government’s commitment to 1.2 million well-located homes under the National Housing Accord, while also reducing emissions and exposure to climate risks.
“Planners know that integration of land use, housing and infrastructure planning is fundamental to building low-carbon, liveable and connected communities. We also know that innovation — from new materials to better design and construction practices — will be critical to improving both supply efficiency and environmental outcomes.”
Mr Collins noted that the Sector Plan explicitly recognises the critical role of urban planning and precinct design in decarbonising the built environment, with actions to work with state and territory governments to improve planning systems. PIA strongly supports this acknowledgement of the profession’s central role in Australia’s net zero transition.
“Earlier this week, the release of Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment underscored how vulnerable our communities, infrastructure and economy are to the impacts of climate change – and highlighted the high cost of inaction. This sector plan provides a pathway to reduce those risks while delivering the housing and places Australians need,” he said.
PIA congratulates government for finalising the Plan and reaffirms that the planning profession stands ready to work with all levels of government and industry to ensure its delivery.