Terms such as “intergenerational planning”, “intergenerational redistribution”, “intergenerational equity” and “intergenerational accounting” have all gained currency in recent years. This paper reviews recent debates about how to assess the extent and nature of future need, outlines some scenarios, and describes some of the principles that have been adopted for intergenerational planning. The paper goes on to set out some principles to guide government investment (including equity, research, and methods of allocating resources). Finally, the paper suggests some of the elements for a community intergenerational planning framework.