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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 6 Hansard (16 May) . . Page.. 1733 ..

MR CORBELL (continuing):

Land (Planning and Environment) Act, pursuant to subsection 37 (1)-Direction to review the specific issues needs with the Animals-A-Float proposal in the context of permitting the area proposed to be used for agricultural activities and associated residential accommodation, dated 7 May 2002.

I seek leave to make a statement.

Leave granted.

MR CORBELL: Mr Speaker, in April this year the Assembly moved a motion under section 37 of the land act requesting me, as the Minister for Planning, to commence a draft variation to the Territory Plan in Narrabundah, section 129, and to keep this Assembly informed of progress. In response to the motion, I have considered the best way to address the substantial planning issues raised by Assembly members.

There are numerous unresolved planning issues associated with all of the land covered by the X overlay in Narrabundah. The Assembly's resolution provides an opportunity to properly investigate and resolve those issues, as well as addressing the particular issues associated with the business, Animals Afloat. In particular, it would be appropriate to consider the specific needs of Animals Afloat within the context of the overall use of all of the land covered by the X overlay and other surrounding land uses.

A comprehensive planning review would enable all involved to address the planning issues within a more comprehensive framework. Such a review would include a more detailed investigation of site constraints and opportunities, an examination of existing and proposed needs, and recommendations as to the most appropriate land use policies. The process will involve consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the local community, and could, if appropriate, later feed into the neighbourhood planning process for Narrabundah.

Mr Speaker, I believe that allowing the planning authority to undertake a planning review of the area that incorporates the views of the major stakeholders will not only resolve a number of outstanding issues but is also more likely to lead to a better overall planning outcome. The outcome of the review may lead to the preparation of a preliminary assessment that would inform the consideration of a variation to the Territory Plan. Further opportunities for this Assembly's consideration of the proposal would be available during these processes.

In response to the motion of 10 April, and with due consideration of the issues, I am directing the authority to undertake in a modified form a more comprehensive planning study of the area to ensure that the issues related to the Animals Afloat proposal are appropriately addressed with regards the orderly planning of the territory. This approach responds to the spirit and intent of the Assembly motion and allows the review to be undertaken within a strategic planning framework. This modified direction is in accordance with section 37 (3) (a) of the land act. On completion of the planning review, I will advise this Assembly further of the results of the work and my intentions for progressing the outcomes.

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