The ACT Planning and Land Authority continually undertakes research into trends likely to impact on future planning and development. This page presents papers examining recent changes in the demographics, community life and economic development of the Territory and possible planning responses.

In creating this evidence base for future planning, a variety of information sources have been drawn upon. These include the critical consideration of existing research, analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data and the interpretation of views of the general public, local private sector firms and community groups.     

These papers are presented not as government policy but with the intention of informing and stimulating public debate.

Research papers

Population and residential density in Canberra

It is the conventional wisdom in Australian state planning strategies that increasing residential density will contribute to the development of a more sustainable city. The discussion of density issues is sometimes confused by a lack of clarity around the definition of ‘density’.  This paper documents alternative density measures – gross population density, net residential population density, gross dwelling density, net dwelling density and site density – in Canberra’s districts and suburbs. It looks at trends in the city’s population density between 2001 and 2010 and discusses how cities define low, medium and high density differently.

PDF Version    RTF Version

Canberra's night time economy

The 'night time economy' (NTE) covers various economic and social activities usually undertaken after dark. This paper looks at Canberra's night time economies with a particular focus on the local hospitality and entertainment industries. After general discussion of where Canberra's NTE businesses are located and their economic contribution, two topical issues are examined: planning for live music; and the ACT's licensed club sector.

PDF version    RTF version 

Planning data statistics

This set of data brings together a range of ACT, ABS and other sources of information. The data set includes historical and projected population, population by age group, number of persons by family type, age structure, floorspace by suburb and retail, commercial and office floorspace per capita.

Community Formation and Attitudes to Sustainability: Greenfield and Brownfield Studies

In 2009 the ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) commissioned a team from the Australian National University (ANU) to investigate patterns of community formation and attitudes to sustainability in suburbs undergoing development (Gunghalin Town Centre and Harrison) or redevelopment (Turner). Participants were asked about a number of topics including factors in choosing their current housing, expectations of social infrastructure and interaction with neighbours. The studies were designed as potential pilots for later research. The views expressed in this report are solely those of the ANU project team and not necessarily those of the ACTPLA.

Supermarket Retailing in Canberra  (1Mb)

This paper provides background information on supermarket provision based on the information contained in the 2007 ACT Commercial Centres and Industrial Areas Inventory and the 2007 ACT Retail Model. It includes information by district on supermarket floorspace provision, the per capita provision, the level of floorspace at town, group and local centres, sales per capita and sales per m² by hierarchy level.

Retailing in Canberra  (2.37Mb)

This paper provides an overview of how retail provision occurs in Canberra and how the hierarchy of town, group and local centres, supported by Fyshwick as a location for activities requiring large floorspace/low rent activities, has been an important management tool for allocating commercial activities to achieve strategic planning objectives. Based on information contained in the 2007 ACT Commercial Centres and Industrial Areas Inventory and the 2007 ACT Retail Model, it provides information on the level of retail space in Canberra by floorspace type, retail expenditure and retail turnover.

Supportive housing on community facility zoned land in the ACT - A case study  (1.58Mb) 

This case study discusses planning policy around the development of supportive housing in Canberra through examining a project undertaken by a religious organisation in the suburb of Aranda. Making use of previously underutilised land, the St Vincent de Paul Villas provide homes to older people while also being integrated with the community lives of an adjacent church and primary school.

Childcare Centres in the ACT - 2011 Update  (2.0 MB)

This profile is a summary of long day childcare centre trends in the ACT, and builds on data contained in the ‘Childcare Centres in the ACT’ (2009) paper, ACT Planning and Land Authority (now known as the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate), ACT Government 

Childcare Centres in the ACT – 2009 Update  (1.9Mb)

Changing social norms, patterns of women’s labour force participation, and household economic imperatives have seen long-term growth in both the supply and demand for childcare. This concise study considers contemporary supply, demand, and planning issues around long day care services in the ACT.

Future Planning for Religious Community in the ACT  (259kb)

Religious communities and their places of worship have long been a key feature of life in cities around the world. This paper examines two trends anticipated to potentially affect future planning in the ACT: increasing religious diversity (or pluralisation), and ‘mega’ places of worship.    

Employment Location  In Canberra  (1.0Mb)

This paper explores trends in employment location in Canberra based on data from the 2006 Census of Population and Housing (Journey to Work). Employment location has been a major consideration in the planning of Canberra. Employment dispersal provides major benefits including shorter journeys to work, higher use of public transport, reduced traffic congestion, opportunities for multi-purpose trips, lower fuel, and less parking and transport infrastructure requirements.

Canberra at the 2006 Census)  (322kb

This report outlines trends evident in the 2006 Census of Population and Housing undertaken by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These include changes in population, dwelling numbers, age structure, household composition, population mobility, housing tenure and housing costs.