Planning Act 2023

In this Act:

ecologically sustainable development means development involving the effective integration of the following principles:

the protection and enhancement of ecological processes and natural systems at local, territory and broader landscape levels;

the achievement of economic prosperity;

the maintenance and enhancement of cultural, physical and social wellbeing of people and communities;

the precautionary principle;

the inter‑generational equity principle.

In this section:

achievement of economic prosperity includes achieving a diverse, efficient, resilient and strong territory economy that allows communities to meet their needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

maintenance and enhancement of cultural, physical and social wellbeing of people and communities includes—

creating and maintaining well‑serviced, healthy, prosperous, liveable and resilient communities with affordable, efficient, safe and sustainable development; and

conserving or enhancing places of special aesthetic, architectural, cultural, heritage, historic, scientific, social or spiritual significance; and

providing for integrated networks of pleasant and safe public areas for aesthetic enjoyment and cultural, recreational or social interaction; and

accounting for the potential adverse impacts of development on climate change, and seeking to address the impacts through sustainable development and design.

protection and enhancement of ecological processes and natural systems includes—

conserving, enhancing or restoring the life‑supporting capacities of air, ecosystems, soil and water for present and future generations; and

conserving biological diversity and ecological integrity; and

appropriately valuing and pricing environmental resources.

the inter‑generational equity principle means that the present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations.

the precautionary principle means that, if there is a threat of serious or irreversible environmental damage, a lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation.

Part 2.2 Planning principles