Canberra’s Transport System

We found through the use of zoning and usage maps that only a bus system is currently utilized. The distinct segregation and lack of density among st the neighborhoods means a higher reliance on cars and also makes it impossible for walking or the use of cycles to travel into the center of town.

The sections below outline some of the distinctions of the capital's transport system, but fails to note the heavy reliance on cars as a sensible form of transport, the unsustainable nature of this system and the use of prime real estate as parking space within the city centers.

9.1 Transport is an essential element of successful regional, urban and city

planning. With the social and economic priorities driving action to address

climate change and improve the long-term sustainability of communities,

the spotlight is firmly on transport as a major contributor to carbon

emissions.

9.2 The Y-Plan has formed the basis for planning and development of

Canberra since its publication in 1970. Through the Y-Plan Canberra was

designed on a transport system, which facilitated rapid mobility using

cars as the primary mode of transport. This approach was firmly reflected

in the National Capital Plan (NCP), which guides the fundamental

structure of Canberra today.

9.3 Despite the aspirations of the plan to facilitate rapid and easy mobility by

car, population growth, changing demographics and lifestyle choices have

placed enormous pressure on our road transport system.

9.4 These pressures are being felt in communities all around Australia where

increasing population densities test the boundaries of existing road

infrastructure.

9.5 At the same time, traditional approaches to transport and planning are

being challenged and tested in the new paradigm of climate change.

9.6 This confluence of events has bought to a head the urgent need for

significant attention to be paid to the issue of transport sustainability. This

is as true for Canberra as it is everywhere else. Only here, these problems

have been exacerbated in part by the current dual planning system.

P.7 The committee believes that the updating of the planning system in the

national capital as proposed in Chapter 11 offers a unique and timely

opportunity to apply visionary thinking to the future transport plans for

the national capital to ensure that Canberra is a leader in addressing

climate change through holistic, innovative transport planning.

9.8 This chapter analyses the current situation and recommends a way

forward.

The Way Forward 2008

Inquiry into the role of the

National Capital Authority

Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories