Tony Trobe sits down for a chat with ACT Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman.

TT: The ACT government has produced a Housing Choices Discussion Paper flagging the possibility of some comprehensive changes to housing choices in the suburbs. Is this a response to changing community attitude over the last decade or so?

MG: Indeed, changes and choices in life are inevitable. Our lives are full of choice as we move through each stage of life and we make changes to suit our needs at a point in time. One of the many things we need to consider as we grow older is where we live and as needs change, we might choose to secure a different property to suit needs during a different phase of life.

TT: But how do we as a modern, vibrant city cater for these lifestyle needs and housing types within each suburb?

MG: More and more we find that people in the community grow and prosper in a particular locality in which they become attached. A sense of community is developed with networks of friends, neighbours and family. A sense of familiarity embeds in day-to-day living. So when needs change, a new residence is often sought in the same suburb or neighbourhood precinct area.

TT: I have had many readers vent about the lack of planning scope and opportunities for them to "age in location".

MG: The government has been increasingly aware of this sentiment and is turning its eye to move along with this mood. We want to ensure that the housing types we can offer will move with these needs to help provide a smorgasbord of available housing types including the needs of the aging population. As a direct response to the groundswell of community opinion earlier this month, the ACT government announced the Housing Choices discussion paper to start a conversation about housing types. The government is keen to broaden the mix of housing in the territory, in a way that respects the characteristics of neighbourhoods that attract residents in the first place.

TT: We seem to have a surfeit of apartments and quarter-acre blocks, will the government be looking to address the missing typologies.

MG: Absolutely, we believe we need to have a hard look at the "missing middle". By providing more housing types we can cater for a greater range of needs for the community. The government acknowledges there are lots of different ways of living. So we would like a response from Canberrans to help us to create diversity and choice. There is a commitment to provide housing that works for all Canberrans. Housing types can range from free-standing houses, apartments and townhouses. Part of the consultation will also highlight demonstration housing precincts, so that we can show in real form what can be achieved. You'll have confidence in what the government is saying can be done.

TT: Talking is fine as it helps to understand more about how Canberrans want to see their city develop. But what real options can the government consider when planning new suburbs and managing urban infill?

MG: Well I believe now is the time to think big and not be deterred by any boundaries. We would like citizens to tell us about different lifestyle aspirations and help us to create a more compact city whilst maintaining our signature "bush capital" at the same time. There are community's aspirations for high quality diversity of housing choices and we believe they can be achieved. We want a government planning system that can move in line with its people's desires.

TT: So how can ordinary punters become involved?

MG: Talk to us so we can move ahead with you for Canberra's planning future. https://yoursay.act.gov.au/housing-choices or Terrplan@act.gov.au

• Tony Trobe is director of the local practice TT Architecture. Is there a planning or design issue in Canberra you'd like to discuss? Email tonytrobe@ttarchitecture.com.au