Strategic Directions Planning Policy

The NT Planning Commission is seeking feedback on the development of a proposed Strategic Directions Planning Policy.

Why develop this policy?

The Strategic Directions Planning Policy (SDPP) will provide an overarching, high-level framework to guide future strategic land use and development decisions in the Northern Territory (NT).

The SDPP will establish strategic planning policy directions to further the objectives of the NT Planning Act 1999.

The objectives of the Act seek to:

• protect the quality of life of future generations.
• maintain the health of the natural environment and ecological processes.
• assist the provision of public utilities, infrastructure and facilities for the benefit of the community.
• promote the sustainable development of land.
• promote the good design of buildings and other works that respects the amenity of the locality.
• assist the conservation and enhancement of places, areas, buildings, other works and landforms that are of cultural, aesthetic, architectural or historical value.

The SDPP will be delivered through the creation and/or review of strategic land use plans and strategic planning policies contained within the NT Planning Scheme 2020. Collectively these plans and policies help inform how and where change can take place, whether it be in a city, suburb or regional community.

How can you get involved?

It is important that the community, industry and stakeholders have a say to help us better understand and respond to the issues and aspirations for future land use and development.

We want to hear from individuals and organisations from across the NT on the range of issues and topics that the Strategic Directions Planning Policy should address.

The discussion paper:

• provides context to strategic planning in the NT
• identifies a range of possible themes/topics to underpin the SDPP
• defines the role of strategic planning in relation to these themes/topics
• includes possible high-level strategic policy directions

The Planning Commission is currently considering feedback on the Discussion Paper received during consultation in 2024. Further consultation on a draft Strategic Direction Policy is expected during 2025.

If you would like to provide your thoughts or feedback ahead of consultation on the draft policy, please send us a quick note or upload a submission under the "feedback" tab below.