Soil and resource protection, the Styrian Spatial Planning Act and its amendments, affordable housing and energy, strengthening the town center, mobility – these were the central topics of the politically high-profile discussion in the Skyroom of the Styria Media Center. On the podium, six representatives of the parties currently represented in the Styrian state parliament addressed the future questions surrounding the Styrian living space: State Councilor Ursula Lackner (SPÖ), State Councilor Simone Schmiedtbauer (ÖVP), LAbg. Stefan Hermann (FPÖ), LAbg. Sandra Krautwaschl (Die Greens), LAbg. Dr. Werner Murgg (KPÖ) and the deputy regional spokesman for NEOS Styria, Philipp Pointner.
More spatial planning
After the numerous guests were welcomed by Kleine-Zeitung managing director Xenia Daum and chamber president Gustav Spener, two central questions were addressed in medias res, moderated by Klaus Höfler: “Is this year’s 50th anniversary of the Styrian spatial planning law a reason for joy? Or is this clouded by the fact that Styria is currently only in the middle range when it comes to careful land use?”
Ursula Lackner, LR Environment, Climate, Energy, Regional Development, SPÖ: “For me, land consumption is not the same as land consumption: Today we have a strategic land consumption policy and no longer allow avoidable consumption.” © Großschädl
Ursula Lackner, as LR responsible for regional development, among other things, pointed out that the spatial planning and building regulations laws had been amended two years ago. Lackner: “We have both adapted to the new challenges surrounding the energy transition, climate protection, spatial planning and regional development.” She is not happy with Styria’s assessment of land consumption: “You have to clearly differentiate which future infrastructural measures are associated with it.” For her The “strategic” land consumption approach is the measure for the future.
Werner Murgg from the KPÖ sees a historical “spatial disorder” in Styria, where “a lot of things are already too late”. When it comes to land consumption regulation, he calls for a flexible system instead of rigid numbers. From the point of view of the Green Club leader in the state parliament, Sandra Krautwaschl, many soil sealing sins have already happened in the past – that’s why she calls for the future: “In my opinion, there are too many optional provisions in the current law and too few clear numbers and specifications must comply with all.”
Werner Murgg, LMP of the KPÖ: “There is no secret recipe for the revitalization of the town center. I appeal for more common sense and would like to see targeted funding to prevent migration from the centers.” © Großschädl
Stefan Herman from the FPÖ warned that, despite the importance of the issue, not to forget about affordable housing for citizens and complained that too little attention was paid to experts when drafting the amendment to the law. Philipp Pointner from NEOS brought up a complete reform of spatial planning: “We need a federal framework spatial planning law!” A proposal that would require a constitutional change and which was viewed rather critically by his discussion partners, not least as to its feasibility.
Sandra Krauwaschl, club leader in the Styrian state parliament, The Greens: “I am in favor of a general questioning of how we build and for an honest discussion about land consumption.” © Großschädl
Stefan Hermann, LAbg. of the FPÖ: “Due to the increasing complexity of the matter, we need even more expertise and building and spatial planning skills in our communities.” © Großschädl
For ÖVP MP Simone Schmiedtbauer, the issue of living space is one of the most important challenges in our country. She backed this up with her demand for a state secretary or minister specifically responsible for this.
Philipp Pointner, deputy regional spokesman for NEOS: “For me, town center revitalization is a topic of building culture. When it comes to funding measures, we need to better combine the old with the new – sustainable construction funding, a good mix of uses.” © Großschädl
Revitalize town centers
There was a lot of consensus when it came to strengthening the town center: A lot had already been done – including with the “Strong Centers” initiative or “Centre Support” with EU funds – but there was still a lot to do. Many new solutions were discussed: Among other things. better project development, simplified construction regulations for renovations in town centers, more multi-storey housing, more expert support for the communities and, last but not least, “building culture guidelines” from which everyone could benefit.
Simone Schmiedtbauer, LR, Styrian Life Department, ÖVP: “In 2022, a step in the right direction was taken with the amendment to the Styrian Spatial Planning Act. Now we just have to make the best of it.” © Großschädl
Building culture guidelines
The commitment of those responsible for politics to building culture guidelines is entirely in the spirit of ZT Chamber President Gustav Spener. He is optimistic about a government decision that makes this commitment to building culture binding. “In my opinion, there is now really nothing standing in the way of this resolution of the building culture guidelines. That would be a great wish of mine personally,” said Spener.
Gustav Spener, President of the Stmk Chamber of Civil Engineers. and Ktn.: “In my opinion, there is now really nothing standing in the way of this resolution of the building culture guidelines.” © Großschädl
Rainer Wührer from the Federal Section for Architects also emphasized the central importance of building culture and its direct influence on the quality of life of all people. When developing the building culture guidelines for Styria, existing principles can be used. This includes the federal building culture guidelines, the state building policy guidelines, the results of the Styrian building culture survey from 2014 as well as initiatives at the European level.
As part of the 2030 cultural strategy, the Chamber of Civil Engineers has already developed a 10-point plan for the future of Styria’s building culture. At the end of the event, President Spener presented this to the panelists and offered to support the professional representatives in developing the guidelines in order to take a further step towards the sustainable development of Styria.
