ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the concepts, promises and realities of the major plans at national and territory level produced between 2000 and 2016. The details of the complex division and its associated economics have remained as contested as the question of what 'normalization' might mean, particularly in view of Canberra's outstanding planning history and distinctive physical form. As a planned national capital built and managed much in the way of a government company town between its foundation in 1913 and its late attainment of self-government in 1988–1989, Canberra is 'the odd city out' amongst Australia's capital cities. For the first time in Canberra, the Territory Government applied online engagement techniques, demonstrating the potential usefulness of technology in complementing traditional methods. The chapter concludes that Canberra is in a new phase of development, retreating from national capital aspirations and planning standards towards market-oriented 'normalization'.
