NCA must plan a a vibrant capital for all Australians Should planning decisions about Canberra be the sole responsibility of the ACT government? Or does the federal government have an obligation to ensure the nation's capital is a place for all Australians? 
It's a good question, and one that lies at the heart of proposed changes to the National Capital Plan.
Under the draft changes, the National Capital Authority's role in a number of matters - such as along the Murrumbidgee and Molonglo River corridors - will become the exclusive concern of the ACT government.
Will this lead to better development outcomes? The Property Council doesn't necessarily think so. Our view has always been that the Commonwealth must retain a long-term interest in the plan for Canberra. This cannot be left to the vagaries of local politics.
Expanding development to the west bank of the Murrumbidgee, for example, would be a grave mistake. The structural problems facing Tuggeranong and its town centre are significant, and cannot be fixed by simply opening up new greenfield sites. Instead, we must increase the population density of our existing urban areas or risk poor environmental and economic outcomes.
The Property Council has long advocated a mix of policies that support our city over the next four decades. We can do this by reintroducing dual occupancies, for example. Consolidating residential blocks makes better use of existing resources - schools, health centres, roadworks, water supply.
We cannot grow forever outwards if we want the benefits of a cosmopolitan capital city - good public transport and a vibrant city centre are just the start.
The NCA has an obligation to plan, manage and develop the nation's capital for all Australians, and its long-term view will help us create a more sustainable, liveable city for future generations of Canberrans.
Catherine Carter is ACT Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia.